With the future of America’s public transportation, roads, bridges and rail systems on the line, transportation and community leaders from across the country will unite on April 9, to highlight “Stand Up for Transportation Day.” Chittenden County Transportation Authority (CCTA) and Vermont Community Alliance for Public Transportation (VCAPT) are supporting this effort sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).
With collective support from national and local partners from transportation organizations, business and community-oriented interests, Stand Up for Transportation Day will unite the voices of 216 participating organizations in more than 140 communities across the country to focus on the urgency of the passage of a long-term, federal transportation bill.
In Vermont, public transportation connects individuals and communities to jobs, education, healthcare and a variety of goods and services. The mobility public transportation provides to individuals is an essential part of growing Vermont’s economy. CCTA continues to operate safe, convenient, accessible and sustainable public transportation services that reduce congestion and pollution, and encourage transit oriented development. However, significant funding challenges exist at the local, state, and federal levels that could threaten to undermine the many benefits public transportation offers.
Without a new long-term federal transportation-funding bill, communities across the country will face uncertainty. At the state and local level, funding methods that allow transit agencies to meet the growing demand for public transportation are needed. Transportation is the backbone of our local and national economy and a long-term funding solution is needed for improved and expanded transportation options in order to continue to grow our economy.
In recognition of the many ways Vermonters use public transportation, CCTA is asking the public to show support of this initiative by posting photos with a caption on CCTA’s Facebook page from April 6 through 9. While you’re at the bus stop, shelter, or on the bus, we encourage you to snap a photo, selfie or usie using #SU4T and #CCTA. A winner will be selected randomly from among all submissions on April 9 to receive a free 10-Ride bus pass.