Member-Sponsored
Events
Member
Updates
Fairfield
County
Community
Fundraising Calendar
NEWS & EVENTS
Landmark
Transit Bus Study Supported
by Statewide Coalition of Business, Environmental
and Transportation Organizations
Stamford,
Connecticut; March 19, 2007 - - The Business Council of Fairfield County is
pleased to be
one of many partners who have contributed expertise and
support for the "Transit for Connecticut Bus Study" being released
today in Hartford by Transit for Connecticut. Transit for Connecticut is a
statewide coalition comprised of more than 20 business, social service,
environmental and transportation organizations, including The Business Council
of Fairfield County, The Connecticut Fund for the Environment, and the
WorkPlace Inc.
The
landmark study being released today asserts that major bus service upgrades
are needed to optimize service throughout the state and if implemented, would
increase ridership by 80%. The
study has recommended a five-year $79.5 million investment plan that would
increase the hours and frequency of service in overcrowded routes, increase
commuter connections to rail stations, and expand express bus service to major
employment centers.
"Historically
neglected from a funding standpoint, bus service is the third leg in our
transportation system, commented Joseph McGee, VP, Public Policy, The Business
Council of Fairfield County and member of Transit for Connecticut. "This
investment, as compared to road and rail expansion, is very cost effective
because the results are immediate. By increasing service capacity with
existing stock, more frequent and extended service can be offered to the
region's workers."
Concurrent
with today's release of the Transit Bus Study, the General Assembly's
Committee on Transportation has issued a major transportation infrastructure
funding bill that will support the growth of Connecticut's economy.
"We applaud the committee for their innovative groundbreaking work
in improving the state's transportation infrastructure," said the
Business Council's McGee. "Without a comprehensive statewide
transportation strategy, the state will continue to face economic stagnation
in the form of congestion and ineffective transit systems."
"In
addition to the economic benefits, this program will help to clean
Connecticut's air by reducing auto travel and will improve bus
emissions," said Curt Johnson, Program Director and Senior Attorney,
Connecticut Fund for the Environment. "Doubling bus transit use in a cost
effective manner is one of the goals of our State Climate Action Plan and will
reduce global warming pollution by hundreds of thousands of tons each
year."
Critical
to the success of this study, was the financial support provided by
foundations throughout the tri-state region.
"The Fairfield County
Community Foundation supported this study through the One Region Funders Group
because its goal of enhanced bus service is inherently connected to the
Foundation's target issues of affordable housing, economic opportunity,
workforce development and improving the quality of our environment,"
commented Yolanda Caldera-Durant, Program Officer, Fairfield County Community
Foundation.
Through
the One Region Funders Group, the Fairfield County Community Foundation - in
conjunction with funders from CT, NY, NJ - is able to support efforts to
improve transportation infrastructure in the tri-state area. "We wanted
to support initiatives such as this statewide study to leverage the historic
initial transportation investment made by Governor Rell. Connecticut's
multi-modal transportation infrastructure lags when compared to its neighbors
to the west. We wanted to build upon the momentum of this administration's
commitment to ensure an effective
transportation system that keeps the region, and its people, economically
connected."
For
more information on the Transit Bus Study please contact Lisa Mercurio of The
Business Council at 203-705-0683.
# # #
The
Business Council of Fairfield County
One
Landmark Square, Suite 300
Stamford, CT 06901-2679
General Phone: (203) 359-3220
Fax: (203) 967-8294
Contact Us
| |
|
| |