RRTA AND rabbittransit CELEBRATES COMMUNITIES IN MOTION DAY

Columbia, PA – On Thursday, October 5, 2006, Red Rose Transit Authority and rabbittransit will hold a press conference to celebrate Communities in Motion Day, a national day held annually to celebrate the benefits of public transportation. The press conference will be held at 9:00 a.m. at the bus stop in Columbia, PA on Locust Street, near 3rd Street beside the Columbia Borough Hall where Red Rose Transit and rabbitransit connect their two bus systems. Communities in Motion Day is a national initiative sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) to highlight how transit benefits communities. David W. Kilmer, Executive Director of Red Rose Transit Authority and Richard Farr, Executive Director of rabbittransit will discuss the regional approach between the two systems, the looming state funding crisis for Pennsylvania transit agencies, and the future of public transportation.

“With Lancaster and York being two of the fastest growing areas in Pennsylvania, the current funding crisis places both systems in jeopardy of eliminating services,” stated Kilmer. Both agencies are seeking changes to a federal law that states if an area goes over 200,000 in population the transit system in that area cannot use federal funds for operating expenses. If RRTA and rabbittransit do not have flexibility on how they spend funding, it could result in 30% cuts in the existing service in Lancaster over the next two years and up to 40% service reduction in York.

U.S. Representative Joseph Pitts has introduced a bill that could help agencies keep the flexibility in how they use federal money. The Transit System Flexibility Protection Act of 2006 (HR6097) would amend the existing law and allow transit systems to have their flexibility in spending the funds they receive and not base it on an arbitrary population number.

“Transit provides the missing connection for many. It allows individuals the freedom to get to work, medical appointments or possibly visit a loved one in a nursing home. Transit also offers the opportunity to reduce road congestion, improve air quality and the overall quality of life,” explains Farr.

Communities in Motion Day helps highlight the importance of public transportation in every community. It benefits not only those who use it; it benefits all citizens by spurring economic development and fostering more livable communities.

Communities in Motion Day Press Release: PDF | Word

Red Rose Transit Authority is Lancaster County’s public transportation system. These include Red Rose Transit, our fixed-route service that operates 17 different bus routes; Red Rose Access, our county-wide shared ride service and the Red Rose Trolley providing shuttle and special services.

rabbittransit, York County’s public transportation system, provides a variety of transportation services to the residents of York County. Nearly 6,000 people depend on rabbittransit each day to get to work, medical facilities, school and other life-sustaining activities. rabbittransit is dedicated to helping all York Countians get to where they want to go.