Dear
A good transit system is a vital part of any economy but especially one that is climbing out of a deep recession. Studies show that more than 60% of riders use the bus to get to work, and for many of those people it is the only way for them to commute, especially with gas prices at historically high levels. Moreover, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is often the only way that members of Rhode Island's most vulnerable communities, the disabled, the elderly, and the young, can get around.
In addition to the implications for social justice and our economy, public transit is a crucial part of any comprehensive strategy to reduce carbon emissions. The transportation sector accounts for over 40% of RI's greenhouse gas emissions, and there is absolutely no way that the state will meet its reduction goals without expanding transit, let alone cutting it.
RIPTA and consequently RI's environment and economy need your support now more than ever. Over the following two weeks, RIPTA will be holding public hearings to lay out its plans for bus service reduction (you can view the planned cuts here). If the proposed cuts are made, they will be the largest and most widespread that the transit agency has ever experienced.
Help stop the cuts by attending the public hearings. Review the schedule of hearings below and see which one(s) you can make. You can also tell your local legislators that you're going and you expect to see them there, as it is they who will eventually cast the votes that determine RIPTA's fate. (find out who your local representatives are and how to contact them here)
Since I'm on the topic, please take a minute to urge your legislators to push for the highest fuel economy standards possible by following this quick and easy link. The combination of a strong transit system and a fuel efficient car fleet can make a huge dent in our oil consumption, and our leaders will only take action if they hear from us. Let's make it happen.
Thank You for your help.
Sincerely,
Abel CollinsProgram Manager, Sierra Club RIabel.collins@sierraclub.org17 Gordon Ave. Suite 208Providence, RI 02905 "Never doubt that a small group of concerned citizens can
change the world. Indeed it's the only thing that ever has."
- Margaret Mead
Schedule of Hearings:
Aquidneck
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Newport CCRI Campus
Auditorium
One John H. Chafee Boulevard
Newport, RI 02840
Time: 2pm - 4pm and 6pm - 8pm
East Bay
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Burnside Building
400 Hope Street
Bristol, RI 02809
Time: 2pm - 4pm and 6pm - 8pm
West Bay
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Warwick City Hall
Council Chambers
3275 Post Road
Warwick, RI 02886
Time: 2pm - 4pm and 6pm - 8pm
Providence/Pawtucket
Monday, August 1, 2011
University of Rhode Island Feinstein Providence Campus Auditorium
80 Washington Street
Providence, RI 02903
Time: 2pm - 4pm and 6pm - 8pm
South County
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Narragansett Town Hall Assembly Room
25 Fifth Avenue
Narragansett, RI 02882
Time: 2pm - 4pm and 6pm - 8:00pm