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Project Connect could have potential societal benefits, transit organization says

Transit Forward said Project Connect is estimated to cut crashes by at least 10% just by reducing the number of cars on the road.

AUSTIN, Texas — Traffic in Austin may be causing more trouble than just making people late for work in the morning.

Data compiled by the magazine Urban Matter shows that Austin now has the 14th most congested roads in the country. According to Transit Forward, a Central Texas organization that promotes the benefits of accessible public transit, high traffic can increase weight gain, depression, stress and even domestic violence.

In its new report, "The Problem with Gridlock and Benefits of Reducing Traffic Through Mass Transit in Austin," Transit Forward makes the case that investing in public transit could relieve those issues.

In 2022, Austin experienced 125 traffic deaths and 12,974 crashes – the highest amount on record. Project Connect is estimated to cut crashes by at least 10% just by reducing the number of cars on the road.

"If Project Connect can achieve at least a 10 percent reduction in traffic ... this would mean 5 less deaths and 441 less accidents. Thus, if Project Connect is successful in reducing traffic, thousands of lives could be saved in the long run, billions of dollars in social costs can be spared and commuters can have a healthier way to commute," the report states.

Read Transit Forward's full report.

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