News & Events: Press Releases
June 27, 2007
BAY TOWN TROLLEY JOINS TRANSIT SYSTEMS ACROSS U.S.
Systems Encourage Passing of Transit System Flexibility Act Of 2007
Media Contact: Allison Fogt
850-878-5531 x223
afogt@kidd.com
(Panama City, Fla.) - As part of a nationwide effort by the 100 Bus Coalition, Bay Town Trolley is joining transit systems across the country today calling for Congress to pass the Transit System Flexibility Act of 2007. Over 130 transit systems are caught, or will soon be caught, in a federal rule that does not allow the use of federal funds to operate service once an urbanized area exceeds 200,000 in population. For the majority of these systems, this will result in a significant reduction in bus service as the operating funds are phased out under the present regulations.
The Transit System Flexibility Protection Act was introduced in Jan. 2007 by Sen. Kay B. Hutchison from Texas and Rep. Joseph R. Pitts from Pa., but is currently stalled in Committee.
While the current federal rule will not impede trolley service today, its long-term effects could be detrimental to the future of public transportation within Bay County. Of all Florida transit systems that receive State Block Grant funds, Bay Town Trolley is currently the only system that receives no local assistance. This means that all current funding comes from Federal and State monies. When Bay County exceeds a population of 200,000, much of the federal funds used for operating needs will be limited.
"With our consistent growth in ridership, it seems the passengers are fueling the demand for increased service," Doug Boice, General Manager for Bay Town Trolley. "It is our goal to continually meet these demands, providing dependable transportation service for all riders throughout Bay County."
In 2007, Bay County recorded a population of 167,618. While on one hand the county population and number of public transit users continues to grow each year, it seems that resources to operate the system are in danger of declining.
"The most important aspect of the Transit System Flexibility Act is that we are not asking for more money, just the flexibility of how we're able to use those fund to operate the system," stated Dave Kilmer, spokesman for 100 Bus Coalition and Executive Director of the Red Rose Transit Authority. "Some of these transit systems are in the fastest growing areas of the country and will be forced to reduce service because of this arbitrary population level."
For more information on the 100 Bus Coalition and this legislation, please contact David W. Kilmer, Executive Director, Red Rose Transit Authority at 717-358-1920 or John Wilson, General Manager, CITIBUS, at 806-712-2001.
Bay Town Trolley is an award-winning transit system that serves the growing needs of Bay County, Monday through Friday, with hundreds of stops daily. For more information about Trolley routes and service call (850) 769-0557 or visit www.BayTownTrolley.org. Bay Town Trolleys are equipped with bicycle racks and wheelchair lifts.
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