According to a new report released by Forbes (and reported in today Enquirer), Cincinnati spends more money on transportation than all but five other U.S. cities.  With an increasingly sprawling metropolitan area, and without a strong commuter transportation system, something Forbes pointed out, many Cincinnatians are driving long distances to and from work, and burning a lot of gas doing so. So, what does that mean for the local economy (and you favorite locally-owned shop)?  It's not only the fact that for every gallon you buy, you don't have as much money to spend on new clothes, trinkets, or another pint of Christian Moerlein.  The money that we pay for gas leaves not only our wallets, but also the city in a hurry. 

CoolTown Studios had a recent article on Portland, Oregon, that drove this point home.   Portland is home to the most microbreweries per capita, the second highest number of restaurants per capita, a lively nightlife, vibrant neighborhoods, and, not coincidentally, a strong allegiance to locally-owned shops.  One large reason for this economic drive is the fact that Portlanders, on average, drive less than the rest of us by about 20%.  Instead of giving money to the pump and watching it burn away, they use their money for pursuits after my own heart, food and drink.  As 5chw4r7z commented when he submitted the CoolTown article to Cinplify, this seems to be another notch in the positive column for a Cincinnati streetcar.  In the meantime, don't be afraid to walk, bike or bus to work or play.  To reward yourself, you can enjoy a beer with the money you saved.

Photo Credit: Flickr - MReece