A PenTrans Agenda for Better Transportation in Pa.

Thoughts from Jeremy Alvarez, PenTrans Advisory Group

1. Actively support an increase in the motor fuel tax. It appears likely that legislation to increase the tax will be put forward under some 'growing greener' umbrella, and this new label should be supportive of transit interests. Motor fuel taxes are relatively easy to change (speaking administratively) are generally perceived as fair, if annoying, and apply to all motor vehicle users, so are somewhat democratic.

2. Support increased transit funding focused on incremental improvements to existing services, i.e. more extensive and frequent bus service in the suburban counties, focused service extensions such as Elwyn to WaWa, modernization of the bus system, including the installation of good bus shelters throughout the system -- etc.

3. Actively advocate for the conversion of one or more commuter rail routes entirely to high platform service.

4. Agree with highway advocates regarding modernization and repair needs that are extensive and legitimate, but resist most investments in large capacity enhancements. Seek partnership with highway advocates on appropriate highway enhancements.

5. Support finer grained spending such as community development projects in the city's neighborhoods, and efficient transit service for the older suburban cities/towns; these communities, which are fairly dense. Helping the old communities and neighborhoods succeed is good for transit in the long term and, again, can help us build alliances. We also should be supportive of trail/bicycle projects -- it's all about sustainability.

6. Be alert for other infrastructure investments upon which transit service improvements might be piggybacked. For instance there is need for extensive water/sewer work in the region; let's push for improved sidewalks and bus/transit facilities in these corridors -- given the amount of digging these things demand, improved sidewalks and bus shelters would usually be a modest additional cost.

7. Look more closely at Philadelphia Airport expansion -- yes we have rail to the airport, but what are the greater possibilities? Does it make sense to look for more connectivity with the larger regional network? PHL is growing and is an important economic generator for the region. Again, an opportunity for alliances.

8. Increase interest in the freight rail systems in the region -- we should be informed about what the railroads need and be supportive of even more intermodal service -- lets manage the trucks better. One of the biggest opponents of transit investments over the years have been the motor truck groups. Lets see if we can't find a bridge there. A major trucking association has said that they would support a fuel tax increase -- but only if it went exclusively to roads and highway bridges. However, with enough resources this is no longer a zero sum game. Perhaps there is a way to find some areas of common ground. Rail freight may well reassert itself and take away some of the long haul trucking but also entail a significant expansion of intermodal service.

PenTrans Founding Board member Dick Voith comments: Jeremy's list is a good one that I support, with one exception. I think increasing bus frequency should occur in markets that are most likely to support such increases. In my opinion, the opportunities in the city and close-in suburbs are probably the greatest. However, I also support increases in any suburban service that is done in conjunction with supportive land use and development plans.