Coalition Encouraged By Support For Bus Transit Vision

NEW HAVEN — Members of Transit for Connecticut (TFC), a coalition comprised of more than 20 business and other organizations, were excited to learn this week about the state legislative leadership and Governor M. Jodi Rell’s support for investing in a cost-effective bus transit system.

The organization, which is headed by former Monroe first selectman Karen Burnaska, is dedicated to increasing awareness of the benefits of increased bus transit and advocating for increased funding for bus transit services in Connecticut. TFC’s long-term goals include improving Connecticut’s economic vitality, curbing congestion, and reducing global warming pollution.

“House Speaker Jim Amann, leaders from the Appropriations and Finance Committees, and Senate Leader Don Williams are all presenting bills that incorporate the shared vision for a cost-effective investment in bus transit that over five years will have a wide variety of economic and environmental benefits,” Ms Burnaska said. “Governor Rell’s recent announcement of financial support for statewide improvements to bus transit also makes this vision one step closer to reality.”

Just last week, Transit for Connecticut released its full blueprint for bus transit improvements in Connecticut. The report, Bus Transit Needs Analysis, 2007, lays out a cost-effective vision for increasing bus ridership in Connecticut by 80 percent through a five-year investment strategy.

The systematic vision calls for better bus linkage with existing and proposed expansions to the state’s commuter rail service, new bus rapid transit and express service to give workers better access to growing job centers, improved senior transit services to help maintain opportunities for seniors to enjoy an independent lifestyle, and expanded and improved local bus service.

According to the report, public transit provides economic benefits both to individual users and to the economy as a whole. The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has demonstrated that households that are likely to use public transportation regularly save more than $6,200 annually when compared to households with no access to transit.

In addition:

*Increased transit service provides workers with more transportation choices and allows access to a greater variety of employment opportunities by expanding hours of service and geographic coverage.

*Employers benefit from the availability of a larger labor pool when transportation choices exist and more people are able to access transit.

*Transit enhances mobility both for its users as well as other users of the transportation system who benefit from the overall increase in system carrying capacity.

*When households are able to reduce transportation expenses, these savings are typically spent on goods and services, generating additional tax revenue and contributing to the local economy.

*Studies show that every $1 invested in transit can yield up to $3 in economic benefit.

The full report and four-page executive summary are available on the Transit for Connecticut page of the CFE website, www.cfenv.org/transportation/ctxsit.htm.