Spring Break
Recession is perfect time to upgrade transpo
Megan Lynch
Issue date: 3/25/09 Section: Commentary
Connecticut's various public transportation systems should expect to receive about $163 million from the federal stimulus, the Hartford Courant reported on Tuesday. It is very important that the massive amounts of stimulus money the federal government is dishing out are put to good use, which is exactly what the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) is doing.
The money is expected to go toward buying about 100 hybrid buses and repairing train stations and bike trails. The hybrid buses should be the most effective purchase, saving the state the most money in the long run with less gas to buy, while pleasing environmentalists with their eco-friendliness.
The bike trails that will be repaired are "rails-to-trails," former railroad tracks reconfigured for hikers and bikers. The train stations at the end of these trails will also see some renovations. There are several other plans for the stimulus, Gov. M. Jodi Rell is expected to sign all proposals - and doing so would greatly benefit the state.
Connecticut is a state that sees mass transit every day. Many people come from neighboring states to work in Hartford, New London, Fairfield County, and the universities around Connecticut, while just as many commute to Manhattan. There really isn't a reason to worry about closer companies stealing Connecticut employees - no one's hiring anyway - so it is important to make the commutes as simple as possible.
Gas prices play a big role in hampering commutes. Gas isn't $4 a gallon anymore, but it's still not easy to fill up the tank. More buses and trains will encourage people to drive less and take advantage of public transportation.
The DOT's plan will also do much more for the state than just fixing its roads. The construction involved will create jobs for workers who have probably not had much construction to do, and there will also be a need for workers to both plan the projects and organize the money involved. Most importantly, the plan will keep jobs in the state. If the commute just keeps getting easier, then workers will keep driving out rather than quitting because of a costly drive.
The money is expected to go toward buying about 100 hybrid buses and repairing train stations and bike trails. The hybrid buses should be the most effective purchase, saving the state the most money in the long run with less gas to buy, while pleasing environmentalists with their eco-friendliness.
The bike trails that will be repaired are "rails-to-trails," former railroad tracks reconfigured for hikers and bikers. The train stations at the end of these trails will also see some renovations. There are several other plans for the stimulus, Gov. M. Jodi Rell is expected to sign all proposals - and doing so would greatly benefit the state.
Connecticut is a state that sees mass transit every day. Many people come from neighboring states to work in Hartford, New London, Fairfield County, and the universities around Connecticut, while just as many commute to Manhattan. There really isn't a reason to worry about closer companies stealing Connecticut employees - no one's hiring anyway - so it is important to make the commutes as simple as possible.
Gas prices play a big role in hampering commutes. Gas isn't $4 a gallon anymore, but it's still not easy to fill up the tank. More buses and trains will encourage people to drive less and take advantage of public transportation.
The DOT's plan will also do much more for the state than just fixing its roads. The construction involved will create jobs for workers who have probably not had much construction to do, and there will also be a need for workers to both plan the projects and organize the money involved. Most importantly, the plan will keep jobs in the state. If the commute just keeps getting easier, then workers will keep driving out rather than quitting because of a costly drive.
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