PTC E-News #4

PTC E-News #4

1. Local
1.1 Mike Cassidy and Bobby Dunn meet with PTC
1.2 City of Charlottetown joins CUTA
2. National
2.1 CUTA to represent public transit at Climate Change conference
2.2 Transport Minister issues call for proposals
3. International
3.1 UK Transport Fuels Obligation
3.2 APTA Urges National leaders to work toward new ways of funding
transit
3.3 2005 Transit Ballot Measures



1. Local


1.1 Mike Cassidy and Bobby Dunn meet with PTC

Mike Cassidy, co-owner of Trius Tours, and Bobby Dunn with the City of
Charlottetown met with the PEI PTC on Friday, Nov 4. They updated the
Coalition on Charlottetown Transit. Some notable points include:

.The system is operating above start-up small system standards - seeing
a ridership bus average of 60 people per day with the University Ave
route gathering 110 or more per day. They have a goal of 5000
passengers moving per day by next year.

.They are working towards having the Ch’town mall as the northern hub
and a feeder stop for outer areas of Charlottetown and the Confederation
Centre as the southern hub.

.The Federal program for 2006 provides 100% of the funding for the
buses, but does not necessarily cover maintenance, operation, etc.

.As of Nov.9th, tickets will be available in packages of 20 for $34.
They can be purchased at Shopper’s DrugMart, West Royalty/Parkdale
Pharmacies, and at the Trius Tours office.


1.2 City of Charlottetown joins CUTA

The City of Charlottetown has now become a member of the Canadian Urban
Transit Association (CUTA). CUTA is an essential resource for expertise
on transit. Charlottetown's new system will benefit greatly from this
partnership as it continues to grow and improve.


2. National


2.1 CUTA to represent public transit at Climate Change conference

Canada will host the first meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol
in Montreal in conjunction with the eleventh session of the Conference
of the Parties (COP 11) to the Climate Change Convention from 28
November to 9 December. The conference is an historic event, as the
first ever meeting of the Parties to the Protocol (MOP) will be held
parallel to the Conference of the Parties to the Convention (COP). The
United Nations Climate Change Conference is set to be the largest
intergovernmental climate conference since the Kyoto Protocol was
adopted in 1997, with some 8,000-10,000 participants expected. CUTA has
been granted official observer status and will be organizing a side
event highlighting the role of public transit in helping to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions.

www.cutaactu.ca


2.2 Transport Minister issues call for proposals for transportation
planning and modal integration projects

Transport Minister Jean Lapierre announced earlier this month a $1-
million second call for proposals for projects that advance
transportation planning and enhance integration and connections between
modes of transportation. Proposals eligible for funding include
infrastructure and technology projects that improve connections
between modes or modal integration, research studies that provide
greater understanding of multimodal transportation, and dissemination
of information management tools. The call for proposals will be open
until 1 February 2006.

www.cutaactu.ca


3. International


3.1 UK Transport Fuels Obligation

TRANSPORT 2000 today welcomed the Government`s Transport Fuels
Obligation, but called on the Government to go further in providing
sustainable transport solutions to climate change.

The environmental group argued that the Renewable Fuels Obligation
announced today by Transport Secretary Alistair Darling is too small to
catalyse the change that is needed to tackle greenhouse gas emissions
from road transport and it urged the Government to take more action to
provide sustainable transport solutions.

While welcoming the Government`s Transport Fuels Obligation’s calls for
more action on climate change, Stephen Joseph, Executive Director,
Transport 2000, commented: "The Government needs to go much further than
requiring 5 per cent of fuel sold in the UK to be from a renewable
source. It`s vital that more of an incentive is added to encourage the
growth of a successful UK alternative fuels industry that is able to
catalyse a real move away from fossil fuels. This needs a certification
scheme, for example, able to guarantee sustainable sources.

"The Government also needs to invest in providing sustainable transport
solutions to combat climate change by reducing road traffic, encouraging
more integration in our transport systems and enabling people to make
smarter transport choices."

On the day that the UK Government hosts a major international conference
on greener cars, Transport 2000 urged the Government to demand European
action from motor manufacturers.

Stephen Joseph added: "The Government needs to place more pressure on
industry to produce fuel-efficient vehicles and provide the necessary
incentives for action. It`s clear that the current voluntary agreement
between the EU and car manufacturers to decrease carbon dioxide
emissions is failing and we need tough action."

www.transport2000.org.uk


3.2 APTA Urges National leaders to work toward new ways of funding
transit

Today the U.S. Chamber of Commerce - National Chamber Foundation
released a report, "The Future of Highway and Public Transportation
Financing," that concludes there is a looming crisis in funding our
nation's transit and highway systems.

"It is time for our national leaders to begin the dialogue needed to
ensure that our surface transportation system will be able to meet the
travel needs of the American public in the years to come," said American
Public Transportation Association (APTA) President William W. Millar. "I
congratulate the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for taking the initiative to
review the financing of America's surface transportation program. This
report contains bold ideas that need to be considered."

"Having a strong transportation system is not only important for
personal mobility, it's important for our country's economic well being
and prosperity," said Millar. "Our nation's transportation system is the
backbone of our economy and as such, it should be an economic priority
to adequately fund our national's transit and highway systems."

"The American people deserve a world class transportation system, but
the current funding for our nation's surface transportation system is
not enough to maintain it, let alone expand it to meet growing demand,"
continued Millar. "We cannot continue relying on this system for the
future. It is imperative that we begin now to seek new, innovative
solutions to make sure that America's transportation systems are
well-funded."

www.apta.org


3.3 2005 Transit Ballot Measures

There has been much positive feedback on transit ballot initiatives
across the US. "Yesterday's successful local transportation ballot
initiatives are proof positive that citizens around the country want
more public transportation," said American Public Transportation
Association (APTA) President William W. Millar. "With rising gas
prices and increased congestion, voters want an improved transportation
system that includes more public transportation."

Yesterday voters supported five of seven transportation ballot measures
totaling more than $8.5 billion in new transportation investments.
Counting yesterday's successful initiatives, there have been 22
successful local transportation initiatives in 2005. Last year, 42 of 53
transportation ballot initiatives passed.

"Last year and this year's successful transportation initiatives show
that transportation and mobility are important issues to voters,"
concluded Millar.

For a complete list of 2005 ballot initiatives on transit funding, go
to:

http://www.cfte.org/success/2005BallotMeasures.asp.

Have you tried the new bus yet?

Thanks for this, Olive!

HAVE YOU TRIED THE NEW BUS YET?
By Olive Bryanton

Yesterday I tried the new public transit bus for the first time. It was a wonderful experience and I will definitely use it at every opportunity. I boarded the bus at 11:25 am at UPEI (as the schedule said), and after a pleasant ride downtown arrived at the Confederation Centre at 11:50 am again on time according to the schedule. I joined my daughter for lunch and then did some shopping and was ready to catch the 2:00 pm bus back to UPEI. The bus was at the Confederation Centre about 1:45 pm but it does not leave until 2:00 pm, I got back to UPEI at 2:20 pm and again on time and again I enjoyed the experience.

Why did I enjoy the ride on the new public transit bus? I think it was a combinations of things: the relaxation of letting someone else do the driving, the friendliness and helpfulness of the bus driver and the other young man who was monitoring time, answering questions and handing out schedules. Also the passengers were obviously happy and enjoying the ride. Everyone was chatting and making the most of the experience. It was fun to see people standing waiting for the bus in the various locations, and hearing the positive comments and seeing their smiles as they boarded the bus.

One senior had gone on the bus circle to see where the bus stopped and how long it would take to get to where he would be likely to travel most times. When we stopped at various locations people were coming to have a look inside and also to get a schedule. Half of the people on the bus were seniors and they certainly seemed to be enjoying the experience. One senior lady talked about the freedom she now has because she can get from downtown to the Malls anytime she wants, and does not have to rely on family or friends.

I am involved with the Seniors Active Living Centre which is located at the MacLauchlan Arena side of the CARI building, and I look forward to the day when the public transit bus starts making the main door on that side of the CARI facility one of the regular bus stops. This will accommodate the needs of seniors who want to come or are coming to the Seniors Active Living Centre. The bus would not need to stop there in the early morning runs or the last run in each direction. The Centre opens at 9:00 am and closes at 4:00 pm so stops within those times would be very helpful.

It is wonderful to have public transportation and as a senior I really appreciate this option. I hope all seniors will take advantage of this new service. I know it is not perfect yet, but they are working toward a system that will be more frequent in the future. The bus is on time, is distinctive, has the daily newspaper so you can catch up on what is happening in the world or you can enjoy socializing with your fellow passengers both young and old. See you on the bus.

PTC E-News #3

PTC E-News #3

Local
1.1 PTC meets with Mike Cassidy
1.2 Charlottetown Transit System in full operation
1.3 Saint John may expand transit service

National
2.1 Transportation and Affordable Homeownership
2.2 Finance minister confirms transit provisions in Bill C-48
2.3 CUTA membership reaches all-time record

International
3.1 Expanding the Transportation Options in an Aging Society
3.2 Urban Transport and Air Pollution
3.3 Effects of Katrina on Transportation
3.4 Impacts of Transit-Oriented Development on Public Transportation Ridership


Local

1.1 PTC meets with Mike Cassidy

The PTC will be having a monthly Steering Committee meeting Friday, Nov 4. We are pleased to see that people are taking an interest in public transit and showing support for the new system. Mike Cassidy, co-owner of Trius Tours, will be attending the meeting and updating us on the progress of Charlottetown Transit, and we will be able to bring some concerns that we’ve been hearing to him, such as difficulty with signage and finding schedules.

1.2 Charlottetown Transit system in full operation

Charlottetown Transit has is now operating on all four routes. The routes were implemented separately throughout October to give passengers and drivers time to get used to the new system. The City will be adjusting the routes as needed and making permanent signs and bus stops, andit is expecting to expand the system in the new year. The current routes are as follows:

Winsloe - University Avenue
West Royalty - North River Road
Sherwood/Parkdale - St. Peter's Road
East Royalty - Kensington Road

Charlottetown Transit operates regular schedules Monday - Saturday from 6:30am - 7:15pm. Fair is $2.00 cash. Monthly passes are expected to be available in November. For more information phone Trius Tours at 566-9962


1.3 Saint John may expand transit service

Commuters may soon be able to step on a bus to get to school and work in Saint John. Common council has agreed to spend federal cash on a city transit expansion that would send buses to Grand Bay-Westfield, Rothesay-Quispamsis and Hampton. The plan could reduce traffic, pollution, and parking problems in Saint John. Saint John councillor Chris Titus helped draft the plan with Saint John Transit and the Saint John Parking commission. He says the service will require eight new buses, and outlying communities will have to contribute money to maintain it after the first year. "I think this will grow the community," Titus said. "It will help the community in its entirety. In a year's time, the outlying communities will have a decision to make - do they want to pay their share?"

Councillor Bill Farren supports the plan in general, but he says the new federal money for transit could be better spent improving bus service for city taxpayers. "All this money we were hoping, at least me as a councillor was hoping, for upgrading our old buses, we're going to be providing services for people outside our area." The new transit plan also went before Rothesay town council Tuesday night. Titus says the proposal cannot succeed without cooperation from the province and federal government.

www.cbc.ca


National

2.1 Transportation and Affordable Homeownership:
A Feasibility Study of "Transportation-Savings Mortgages"

This study examines the appropriateness and feasibility of adopting a relatively recent type of mortgage product to the Winnipeg market, which for this report is being called the “Transportation Savings Mortgage” (TSM). In the United States, such products include Location Efficient Mortgages and Smart Commute Mortgages. TSMs are designed to promote locational decisions on the part of homebuyers that favour residential districts close to public transit, shops and services, generally in central areas. The rationale behind TSMs is that, owing to more convenient access to transit, shops and services, central city locations sought to make car-lite or car-free lifestyles more viable than outer suburban locations. Such lifestyles permit a homeowner to accrue substantial financial savings in transportation costs that may then be applied to one's mortgage. Transportation Savings Mortgages are being studied in this report as a means of promoting home ownership in Winnipeg communities targeted for investment in local
and provincial revitalization programs.

http://ius.uwinnipeg.ca/wira_publications.html


2.2 Finance Minister confirms transit provisions in Bill C-48

Last week, in recognition of the growing importance of public transit in the face of rising energy costs, and to give municipalities greater certainty for their own planning purposes, federal Minister of Finance Ralph Goodale confirmed that the $400 million, previously provided for under Bill C-48, will be made available in each of the next two fiscal years for municipalities to boost investments in urban transit infrastructure. This removes the conditionality previously placed on these funds and allows Minister of State (Infrastructure and Communities) John Godfrey to proceed with the conclusion of transit funding agreements with each province and territory.

www.cutactu.ca


2.3 CUTA membership reaches all-time record

CUTA is pleased to welcome eight additional business members and two affiliate members. Recently joining the Association as business members are CMI Enterprises of Elkhart (Indiana), Drivecam Inc. of San Diego (California), Dynetek Industries of Calgary (Alberta), Ecocing Corporation of Calgary (Alberta), Kirkman Bus Sales of Calgary (Alberta) KlinkerSire of Toronto (Ontario), Lamar Transit Advertising of Burnaby (British Columbia) and Safety Vision of Houston (Texas). Joining as affiliate members are the Toronto Board of Trade and the Urban Studies Program at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver.

www.cutaactu.ca


International

3.1 Expanding the Transportation Options in an Aging Society

In a recent report by the American Public Transportation Association, they list some of the transportation problems that are expected to increase with an aging population. Over the next two decades, America’s baby boom generation will reach retirement age in unprecedented numbers. Critical opportunities lie immediately ahead at all levels local, state and federal to provide older Americans with greater independence, choice and control over their lives and their contributions to our communities.

- Over 36 million Americans are age 65 or older today. By 2030, this number will double and one in five Americans will be 65 or older.

- Americans over 85 will comprise the fastest growing age group in the decades ahead.

If we fail to expand and sustain mobility options for our older family members, neighbors and friends, the future of older Americans will result in further negative social and economic consequences.

- Heightened safety risks. Continuing to drive later in life dramatically increases safety risks.

- Limited options, lost mobility. More than one in five Americans (21%) over age 65 do not drive. Currently, half of all American households do not have access to adequate transportation options. In rural areas, nearly two-thirds of all residents have few, if any, transit options.

- Isolation and reduced independence. More than 50% of non-drivers age 65 and older stay home on any given day partially because they lack transportation options. 5 Rural and suburban residents, African-Americans, Latinos and Asian-Americans, and households with no cars are more heavily affected.

- Diminished quality of life and health. Older non-drivers have a decreased ability to participate in the community and the economy. Compared with older drivers, non- drivers make:

. 15% fewer trips to the doctor
. 59% fewer shopping trips and restaurant visits
. 65% fewer trips for social, family and religious activities

Check out their homepage for more details on this report and a list of projects that are being undertaken to address these issues.

www.apta.com


3.2 Urban Transport and Air Pollution

Roads and urban transportation are critical to economic development but rapid growth has occurred with substandard quality of infrastructure, or little development planning. Capital costs have hindered development of high capacity urban transit. More cars and other vehicles, poor public transit, congestion, air pollution, and lack of transport for the poor are growing problems. Many agencies commonly oversee tranportation so that planning, developing and managing transport systems is disjointed, inefficient, wasteful of resources and costly. Improvement have included:

- Mumbai has a metro rail system. New Delhi is in the planning stages for a new metro rail integrated with buses which feed into the rail system.

- Cleaner fuel such as lead-free gasoline and low-sulphur diesel, propane and natural gas for commercial vehicles, emission control standards and regular vehicle inspection, restriction on diesel vehicles and phasing out of certain vehicles. New Delhi has banned all diesel buses and trucks and converted the bus fleet to compressed natural gas. All public transit vehicles run on natural gas. New Delhi and Mumbai restrict entry of older vehicles into city areas and plan to phase out two-stroke three wheelers.

- Private sector involvment. Toll roads and rail transit in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Manila have private sector participation. Dhaka has private operators provide bus services. A franchising scheme in Pakistan has led to private provision of fleets of buses in Lahore and Rawalpindi/Islamabad. Intelligent Tranport Systems Technology ITS provides electronic road pricing, traffic management, integrated ticking for different types of public transit modes and traveller information.

Examples are:

- Variable Message Signs on expressways
- Traffic surveillance and incident management
- Hong Kong and Singapore have more advanced electronic toll and parking fee management systems
- Smart card integrated ticketing for public transit systems introduced in Hong Kong in 1997 with a common ticketing system for 30 transit operators including bus, ferry and rail.
- Involving the community leads to a better planning process. In the Rattanakosin area of Bangkok, community participation in bringing an integrated approach to transport design.

Bangkok has made some progress on its major smog problems although traffic and congestion are still highly problematic. A Thai website recommends, "It is not a good idea to drive your own car in Bangkok. The number of car accidents is astounding, with unofficial numbers putting the death toll at close to 30,000 per year... Thai car drivers have no concept of defensive driving, as a result of unrestrained male hormones since birth." The website notes that the skytrain and new subway are major improvements though only a few lines have been built with extensions planned but slow to be constructed. Compared to road traffic, they are much, much faster than car or bus.


3.3 Effects of Katrina on Transportation

On October 6, 2005, the Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration briefed Committee Members on the status of transportation infrastructure in the region impacted by hurricane Katrina At that time, Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama had made substantial progress towards reopening most major highways in the region to traffic. Significant roadways remained closed however, as the states worked to assess how best to repair, replace or reconstruct damaged roads and infrastructure.

Transit facilities were also significantly damaged or destroyed as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Most notably, the transit facilities in New Orleans suffered greatly. The Federal Transit Administration estimated that a substantial portion of the city’s rolling stock was affected, much of it potentially destroyed. Because of the ongoing nature of the assessment of the effects of the hurricane on both highway and transit infrastructure, the complete picture is only slowing becoming apparent. Many roads were submerged for long periods, and require direct assessment to determine their condition. Similarly, buses, coaches and trolley cars stood in water for lengthy periods, requiring individual inspection one-by-one.

Work is currently underway on many of the area’s damaged highways and bridges, including: restoring two-lane traffic in each direction on the I-10 Pascagoula Bridge, providing one-lane traffic in each direction across Lake Ponchartrain on the I-10 Twin Span Bridge east of New Orleans, and completing a temporary US-90 along the Mississippi Gulf Coast between Pass Christian and Biloxi. A total of $48.4 million in emergency transportation funds has been released by FEMA to DOT as mission assignments for the purpose of funding bus routes and services in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and along the Mississippi Coast. These funds are managed by the Federal Transit Administration and are made available to transit agencies to move workers, commuters and families in the Gulf Coast regions directly affected by Hurricane Katrina. In Baton Rouge, the city’s population has doubled from 400,000 to 800,000 due to the influx of evacuees from New Orleans, overwhelming the local transit system’s capacity.

http://trb.org/news


3.4 Impacts of Transit-Oriented Development on
Public Transportation Ridership

The Florida Department of Transportation has released a report that examines how transit-oriented development affects travel behavior in terms of mode share, number of vehicle trips (VT), and vehicle miles of travel (VMT). The report suggests that land use may be less important than other factors in affecting mode choice, VT, and VMT. According to the report, income, attitudes and preferences, and auto ownership are among potentially more important factors.

http://trb.org/news