Statement of Principles: Transporting the Public

A robust system for transporting the public will improve mobility, benefit our economy, and protect our natural environment.  This system will utilize a range of existing assets and options including bus, rail, ferry, car and vanpools, demand-response and paratransit operations, as well as bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.  A coalition of human service, environmental, transportation providers, land use planning groups, transit users and riders, businesses, and educational institutions share strong interest in promoting a more robust system for transporting the public throughout Vermont.  Some of us are primarily motivated by the social service and socialization needs of our constituents; some by the need for Vermont to reduce its carbon footprint; some by the commuting needs of employees and the businesses they support, or others by concerns about maintaining Vermont’s historic settlement patterns with our concentrated community centers and vibrant connections in local communities.  Within this diversity, we all agree that our collective interests will be served, and more importantly, and Vermont will benefit from increased options to improve mobility and a robust system for transporting the public.

We support the following principles as a framework for transitioning our current transportation planning in Vermont to focus on “transporting the public” and the corresponding public, economic and environmental benefits.

Improved Mobility and Transportation Options

1.	Additional, varied, interconnected and improved transportation and mobility options are needed to provide all Vermonters with access to jobs, shopping, education, services, recreation, social opportunities and housing.  

2.	A robust and efficient interconnected system for transporting the public is essential to Vermont’s quality of life and future well-being as it will strengthen the economy, assure access to services and reduce isolation; protect and enhance the quality of the natural environment; promote energy conservation; use alternative fuels and reduce dependence on foreign energy.
3.	Increasing options for transporting the public and enhancing mobility will benefit individual health and well-being, reduce isolation, improve physical and mental health, and improve access to economic and employment opportunities.

Integrated Planning

4.	Integrating land use and transportation policy development, planning and implementation is essential at the community, state and federal levels to ensure development patterns, site design and transportation systems will increase access and mobility for every stage of life while enhancing our community connections and protecting our natural environment.

5.	Addressing transit, bicycle, and pedestrian needs in the siting and design of development and redevelopment contributes to the vibrancy of our communities and businesses. New growth should be concentrated within town centers to connect housing, employment, commerce, community and health services.

6.	Maximizing efficiency, improving access, and increasing transportation options by including transportation demand and costs in the design and implementation of health, human, education and economic services, is necessary.

7.	In order to take a holistic approach to transporting the public, we need to include a range of stakeholders in the planning and resource allocation processes.

Adequate and Flexible Funding

8.	Full funding to meet identified needs is essential to increase mobility, access, quality, and the range of transportation options.

9.	Increased flexibility in allocating and utilizing existing and new funding, and corresponding rules and regulations, is necessary for the development of creative and innovative partnerships, greater efficiency and practical solutions to mobility and transportation needs.

10.	Determining funding options and priorities must include a true accounting of the full societal benefits and costs (financial, environmental and health) of the existing system (public and private) which are borne by all participants and sectors; and consideration of new resources and creative solutions such as more flexible spending of existing funds.

AARP Vermont, Burlington Legacy Project, Burlington Walk/Bike Council, CCTA, Champlain Islanders Developing Essential Resources (C.I.D.E.R.), Fit and Healthy Coalition of St. Johnsbury, GMTA, Heineberg Senior and Community Center, Hinesburg Rides, Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital, NRG Systems, Smart Growth Vermont, Vermont Area Agencies on Aging, Vermont Association of Planning and Development Agencies, Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility, Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition, Vermont Center for Independent Living, Vermont Energy Investment Corporation, Vermont Natural Resources Council, Vermont Public Health Association, Vermont Rail Action Network
Add your voice in support of these principles for improving our system for transporting the public!

If your organization agrees with the above principles, and would like to be listed as a supporter, fill out the information below and return this page to Jennifer Wallace-Brodeur at: JWBrodeur@aarp.org or AARP Vermont, 199 Main Street, Suite 225, Burlington, VT 05401. 
By signing on, you and/or your organization will be stating agreement with the principles for creating a robust and efficient system for transporting the public. The list of signatories will be included in all published versions of the principles and shared broadly in future educational and advocacy efforts.  You will also be added to the project list and alerted to opportunities for working with others to advance policy that reflects these principles at the local, state, and federal levels.
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