FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Becker: Recommendations are positive
(STATEHOUSE) – While the price of fuel climbs above $3, Sen. Becker (R-Evansville) feels that mass transportation and transit alternatives become more appealing. Becker and other members of the Joint Study Committee on Mass Transit and Transportation Alternatives presented recommendations that could bring those benefits of transportation alternatives to Indiana.
According to Becker, those five recommendations are as follows:
- The Indiana Department of Transportation should provide stronger leadership in the coordination of inter-region transportation systems, including bus, rail and public mass transit;
- A long-range plan for a comprehensive transportation system should be developed. This plan should include all forms of transportation and be developed by the Indiana Department of Transportation and the Indiana General Assembly, with input by other appropriate state agencies and interest groups;
- New funding mechanisms should be explored for the expansion of mass transit, including public-private partnerships. Current allocations for public mass transit should be reviewed and benchmarked against future public mass transportation goals;
- A statewide planning group should be established that includes representation from various disciplines, such as comprehensive modes of transportation, land use, community development, environment, urban and rural, and others as appropriate. This group should be charged with developing Indiana’s long-term transportation vision and plan; and
- Expanded mass transportation systems should be given serious consideration as a way to ease congestion in northern and central Indiana.
“I think all in all these (recommendations) are very positive for the future growth and development of the state of Indiana in the area of mass transit,” Becker said.
Testimony presented to the committee encourages Becker to take a major role in the development and growth of mass transportation in Indiana.
“Mass transportation eases traffic congestion, provides reliable and secure transportation to work, benefits the environment and promotes economic development,” Becker said. “Hoosiers deserve transportation alternatives and should reap the benefits provided by mass transportation.”
Sen. Becker represents Senate District 50, which includes portions of Vanderburgh and Warrick counties.
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Audio Clip 1: Long range plan
Audio Clip 2: Should provide leadership
Audio Clip 3: Expansion of mass transit
Audio Clip 4: Positive for future growth
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