Comet Comments

South Florida Tackles Challenges to Ensure Future Growth

Right now is a great time to take a closer look at the most critical issues facing the transportation industry and how, as business owners and consumers, we can take a pro- active approach to ensure long-term success in the South Florida region.

In my opinion, there are three areas where we need to focus our efforts to sustain future growth:

• Invest in improving our infrastructure

Maintaining our infrastructure of roads, highways and bridges is priority Number One. Many of you know I’ve mentioned this before but I believe it’s important that we don’t lose sight of this goal. In its 2016 Report Card for Florida’s Infrastructure, the American Society of Civil Engineers gave the state a C rating, up from a D grade. While this is an improvement, we must do better. Failure to act ultimately translates into higher costs to transport goods, which means higher-priced goods for everyone.

Staying on top of infrastructure maintenance and repair may seem expensive but it’s simply not going to get any cheaper over time. If we don’t address it now, then when will we?

• Support mass transit initiatives

New U.S. Census data indicates Florida’s population is on the rise. As more people come to live, work and play here, that means more wear-and-tear on our roads. Supporting mass transit is one way to minimize that impact while significantly reducing transportation costs. Miami commuters who ride public transportation instead of driving can save an average of $769 a month or $9,234 annually according to the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) December 2016 Transit Savings Report. The All Aboard Florida rail initiative has made solid progress in making mass transit a viable option for commuters in our region.

Mass transit is also a better option for our planet. Public transportation not only cuts energy consumption but reduces greenhouse gas emissions that can damage the environment.

• Embrace new technology

Last summer, Florida passed new legislation that allows autonomous vehicles on the road for research purposes. This transportation bill paves the way for potential use in commercial applications such as truck platooning which could reduce fuel costs for consumers and businesses. It also requires metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) to consider autonomous technology when writing long- range transportation plans.

Right now is a great time to take a closer look at the most critical issues facing the transportation industry and how, as business owners and consumers, we can take a pro- active approach to ensure long-term success in the South Florida region.

—Steven Seltzer
President, Comet Delivery

Stay tuned for future posts on the transportation issues that impact your business and your customers.