AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Transportation Committee voted Wednesday to advance a measure by Rep. Maggie O'Neil, D-Saco, that would strengthen Maine's public transit system statewide by improving planning and expanding stakeholder input. The vote was unanimous among those present.
"Stronger public transit will promote equity, reduce our carbon emissions and boost our economy in communities across Maine," said O'Neil. "This proposal will ensure we have a comprehensive vision for our public transit systems so they can serve more people in more parts of the state. To create a public transit system that is both convenient and affordable, well need careful planning and robust public input. These initiatives will improve Mainers' quality of life right now and lay the groundwork for a sustainable future that works for all of us."
As amended, LD 1559 would strengthen Maine's transit planning and stakeholder process by adding new members to Maine's existing Public Transit Advisory Council and convening the council more frequently to establish priorities for public transit in Maine. In recent years, the council has met only once per year.
Public transit use reduces carbon emissions by 45% when compared to driving alone in a private vehicle. It also supports the economy by helping more people participate in the workforce and reducing families' transportation budgets.
Despite these positive effects, a 2020 scorecard by the American Society of Civil Engineers gave Maines public transit a grade of D-, just short of failing.
At a public hearing in April, a broad coalition of advocates who helped to develop the bill touted the benefits of a strong public transit system for Maine communities. They included transit providers, Maine Youth Action, regional Chambers of Commerce, GrowSmart Maine, the Maine Council on Aging, environmental groups and local leaders, among others.
"The one thing that needs to be absolutely clear is this: LD 1559 is a critical investment into our youth and our future," said Cole Cochrane, co-founder of Maine Youth Action and a senior at Thornton Academy. "We face barriers to transportation, restricting us from better job and educational opportunities. We face highly unaffordable transportation costs, taking away large portions of our income, and we face the detrimental effects of climate change, caused by our car dependence. It is the responsibility of decision makers today to ensure a better tomorrow, which is what this bill achieves."
"As executive director of the Biddeford and Saco Chamber of Commerce, I see firsthand the many challenges that local residents have in gaining meaningful employment and the ongoing challenge that our local employers face in trying to grow their workforce. A core employment barrier is the ability to commute regularly and cost effectively to places of employment," said James Lbellae. "For Maine to achieve not only our employment goals but also our critical climate change reduction goals, more robust public transportation options, and in particular, options that help employers gainfully employ more people will be crucial."
The measure faces additional votes in the House and Senate.
O'Neil is serving her fourth term in the Maine House. She represents part of Saco and is a member of both the Environment and Natural Resources Committee and the Government Oversight Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee [O'Neil], c. 305-965-2744