In most years, a bill that breezes through committee on a 31-to-0 vote would be considered a cinch to become law. And when a dozen supporters testify in favor and no one opposes, it would seem to have broad public backing.
But even with overwhelming support and a bi-partisan seal of approval from the transportation committee, proponents of a mass transit bill still have significant concerns that it can successfully navigate the state Capitol.
With economic troubles looming on the horizon like a rumbling thunderstorm of uncertainty, nothing can be taken for granted.
Such is the case with a bill proposing to expand bus transportation throughout the state. It calls for $22 million in spending that includes $7 million in annual operating subsidies and $15 million in capital expenditures.
If adopted, the bill would create the Buses for 21st Century Mobility Program that would be administered by the state Department of Transportation.
The main goals of the program are to provide more transportation services for disabled and elderly residents, expand bus routes where needs have been confirmed and encourage the use of train services, particularly the Metro-North Railroad.
“This [bill] would improve bus service across the entire state,” said Karen Burnaska, coordinator of Transit for Connecticut, a coalition of 28 organizations. “[The funding] would be distributed proportionately by county, so it wouldn’t be just the cities getting the funding.”
Employees, Elderly Benefit
Burnaska has pushed hard for increased bus services since Transit for Connecticut commissioned a needs’ analysis study last year. That report concluded that the state needed to increase mass transit services by 80 percent.
“What the study revealed is that buses are crucial to the economy,” she said.
In particular, she noted that increasing bus transit would provide environmental benefits as well as expand transportation options for employees.
Other supporters of the bill include the Norwalk Transit District, the Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority, the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities and the League of Women Voters of Connecticut.
The AARP is also on board, and a representative of its Connecticut chapter has testified in favor of the bill. Maury Johnson, an AARP representative, said there are roughly 480,000 people in Connecticut over the age of 65. AARP surveys indicate that about 20 percent of them no longer drive.
“When they can’t get out, this can lead to depression, illness and eventually to the high costs (to the state and the individual) of having to end up in nursing homes,” Johnson said.
Hefty Price Tag
The sticking point, undoubtedly, will be the $22 million price tag.
“We know that this isn’t going to be easy,” Burnaska said. “It’s a concern because it is a difficult time for the economy and we know what legislators are thinking about.”
However, in her lobbying efforts, Burnaska is pointing out to lawmakers that the negative aspects of a struggling economy are increasing the need for more affordable transportation.
“With rising gas costs, among other things, more and more people are going to look towards public transportation,” Burnaska said. She noted that bus ridership jumped 13 percent in February, according to the Norwalk Transit District.
With gas prices soaring, the middle class is starting to feel the pinch, and better bus service could mean more bus riders, she said.
Sean O’Leary is a Hartford Business Journal staff writer.
