LWVCT Supports Expanded Bus Transit (RB5734) 3/3/05
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TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE, MARCH 5, 2008 submitted by Jara Burnett Transportation Specialist, League of Women Voters of Connecticut
SUPPORT RB 5734, AAC New and Expanded Bus Transportation Services Throughout Connecticut
Transportation has been a legislative priority of the League of Women Voters of Connecticut for the last four years. The League believes that the principal goal of any transportation policy must be the reduction of vehicular traffic on our state’s roads. On behalf of our more than 2,300 members, the League has advocated for expanded schedules, capacity and incentives to use for intra-state mass transit users. Continued improvements in the commuter bus service will impact almost immediately the congestion on our highways and provide mobility for our most economically challenged citizens. Buses provide a relatively low cost and flexible alternative to automobile travel. Our transportation initiatives also called for adequate funding for the current operating and capital budgets for buses and additional funding for expanded services.
Thus, the League of Women Voters of Connecticut strongly supports the RB 5734. This legislation will provide an additional $7 million in operating funds and an additional $15 million in capital funds in FY 09 to increase bus service across the state. Since the additional funds will be allocated on a percentage basis among the eight counties, all areas of the state and all types of services will be covered.
This investment in expanded bus service will create a stronger economy by providing employees with improved access to jobs and provide employers with a larger employee pool. All segments of the population will benefit from increased mobility. Finally, by reducing highway congestion and vehicular emissions, we are helping keep Connecticut green.
We urge a favorable vote on RB 5734.
Thank you for this opportunity to provide input.
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