http://www.copirg.org/news-releases/land-use--transportation/land-use--transportation http://www.copirg.org/news-releases/land-use--transportation/land-use--transportation/report-boosts-transit-as-solution-for-states-transportation-woes Proposed transit projects throughout Colorado received a big boost today. CoPIRG, Senator Ken Gordon, Representative Claire Levy sponsored an event at the capitol calling for state lawmakers to expand transit recommendations by approving additional funding for public transportation. At the event, lawmakers discussed the benefits of public transportation. Every year, public transit is estimated to save 3.4 billion gallons of oil, prevent 541 million hours of traffic delay and reduces global warming pollution by 26 million tons. "Funding transit saves money," said State Representative Claire Levy (D-Boulder). "The more alternatives that there are to driving, the less congestion there will be on our highways and the less of a burden on our overstretched highway funds." Levy noted that just funding transit alone is only part of the solution, "We face serious challenges from pollution and congestion. It’s essential that as Colorado grows our transportation planning and land-use policies work together to reduce traffic and untangle congestion. Transit is an essential piece of the solution.” Keith Feikema, Citizen Outreach Director for CoPIRG, went on to cite the importance of Colorado’s public transportation systems in reducing carbon emissions and saving the state money. RTD in Denver reduces carbon-based pollution by 84,966 tons, and saves consumers $38,228,263 at the pump. Transfort in Fort Collins takes on 1,515,221 trips a year, saving 154,905 gallons of oil and Mountain Metropolitan Transit’s ridership in Colorado Springs saves 64,408 gallons of oil. "This report shows why we need better transit in Colorado," said Senator Ken Gordon. "It puts clear numbers on how public transit reduces oil dependence, traffic congestion, and global warming pollution. Coloradans need better transportation choices; we need to get these projects off the drawing board and into action." Demand for public transportation is booming nationally, with transit trips far outpacing the growth of auto miles or population since 1995. National public opinion polls suggest 53 percent of commuters would prefer to use public transportation if it were available near their home and workplace. An overwhelming majority of the public – seventy-five percent – tell pollsters that transit is the best way to fight traffic congestion. "Moving ahead with new transit plans is a key step toward 21st century transportation in Colorado,” said Feikema of CoPIRG. "This report shows that transit saves Coloradans energy, time, and money. With rising gas prices and increasing traffic projected for the future, we must invest in popular projects like RTD expansion to meet our country's long-term needs." "Governor Ritter's Blue Ribbon Panel on Transportation met across the state in 2007, and heard in all parts of the state that Coloradans want more and better transit services,” added Stephanie Thomas of the Colorado Environmental Coalition. "Coloradans recognize that transit services reduce traffic, increase safety and provide reliable transportation for our workforce." Supplementary Data: Agency Oil Savings (gallons) Fuel savings ($) CO2 Savings (tons)RTD (Denver - Aurora) 14,602,087 $38,228,263 84,996Transfort (Fort Collins) 154,905 $405,541Mountain Metro. Transit 64,408 $168,620 http://www.copirg.org/news-releases/land-use--transportation/land-use--transportation/report-boosts-transit-as-solution-for-states-transportation-woes Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:10:06 -0500