The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) invites you to a briefing on the regional economic impacts of public transportation systems and on the country's increasing reliance on transit systems as fuel prices rise. The current national average for gasoline is $3.76 a gallon and climbing. As fuel costs become prohibitive, individuals increasingly seek out transportation alternatives. Past experience has shown that rising fuel prices has a direct correlation in attracting additional transit riders. The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) will soon release an updated analysis to show this relationship, and will provide observations. The briefing will cover topics that include the impacts of rising gasoline prices on drivers and public transportation systems, how transit systems are adapting to increased demand, the role of transit systems in fostering local economic development and national supply chains, and the value of continued investment in public transportation. Speakers for this event include: - Gary Thomas, Chair, APTA; President/Executive Director, Dallas Area Rapid Transit
- Tony Thomas, Chairman of Council, City of Savannah
- Scott Bogren, Communications Director, Community Transportation Association of America
Besides direct savings for commuters, public transportation systems provide extensive local economic and social benefits. The Washington Area Metropolitan Transit Authority estimates that the Metro system has driven over $37 billion in economic development directly adjacent to Metro property, while also reducing road and parking congestion, travel time, accidents and pollution. Transit systems are working hard to improve capacity in order to provide viable, economic transportation alternatives for more Americans, but local officials are concerned that the expected influx of ridership will strain transit services if appropriate long-term investments are not enacted soon. The eighth extension of the current surface transportation reauthorization ends on March 31, two and a half years after the bill originally expired. A multi-year surface transportation bill, many argue, is necessary for local transit systems to prepare for higher demand and support economic growth. This event is free and open to the public. No RSVP required. For more information, contact John-Michael Cross at jmc...@eesi.org or (202) 662-1883. Materials from this briefing will be posted here after the event.
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