Public Transportation’s Role in Reducing Pollution

Every full bus takes dozens of cars off the road. This action decreases emissions and enhances air quality. It also reduces tire particulate matter in the air.

Published: August 20, 2026, 1:24 p.m. EDT

By Sergio Lopez and Charlotte (Jingqi) Liang, San Jose Spotlight

San Jose Spotlight is a nonprofit news organization focused on local political and business reporting in San Jose, Santa Clara County, and the South Bay.

In Silicon Valley, traffic seems to be an integral part of daily life. Long car lines on Highway 101 during rush hours are common. Buses idle at crowded stops. Students wait beside busy intersections. These scenes are often seen as part of living in the area.

This normalization hides a significant issue: our roads are a public health crisis in plain view.