A new beginning? State The possibility of a student-supported, prepaid transit system is looking better and better to State College officials faced with parking, pollution and congested traf fic problems. This or any transportation alternative to provide residents with attractive, reliable, economical and convenient transportation would be an asset to the area, planners and transit experts say. But area - residents say they are not pleased with available transportation, citing faulty management and equipment, unreliable schedules and inconvenient routes as unacceptable in a public transit system. They say they prefer to drive their own cars, ride bikes, hitch-hike or walk, to reach their destinations faster and more safely. Officials agree transportation is a major problem in the area. How would you propose to solve the Centre Region's mass transit problems? MAYORAL CANDIDATES Jo Hays (Democrat) Through public operation avail• ourselves of federal funds give very serious consideration to a prepaid system. Bear in mind that the bus system is but a part of the mass transit problem. Lawrence Perez (RepubliCan) It is evident that the Centre region mass transportation plan is experiencing difficulty because the number of paying riders is inadequate to cover costs. If using the public transportation becomes more economical and convenient than the _ private automobile, then the transportation plan could become an accepted and vital system. At present, I would terminate the existing system and substitute a College and the problems of mass transit subsidized taxi to transport those persons who are unable to drive or who do not own an automobile. I strongly believe the amount of the subsidy for taxi transportation, would be less than the present subsidy for buses. A pre-payment system, would be a method for making the plan financially solvent, and this might encourage more riders. However, this would depend on the convenience of schedules. BOROUGH COUNCIL Ingrid Holtzman (Democrat) I favor a regional transit system, subsidized as long as . need be by those benefitting the borough, townships, shopping centers and the University. John Glatz (Republican) I have observed that there are a growing number of privately-run buses and that there is a place for improved transit in State College and that it can best be achieved by a combination of effort from these private agencies, the University, the city and the Centre Regional Council of Governments. I would also like to see the system include transit between Bellefonte and State College. James McClure (Democrat) Careful control of central parking and prepaid bus transit. Henry Yeagley (Republican) The operation of the "CAT" system by the Centre Region Council of Governments has shown a developing need for mass transportation. However, the full extent of the demand is difficult to assess. I believe the data to be developed by the "Transit Development Plan for Centre Region" (done by the Pennsylvania Transportation and Traffic Center at the University) and the "CRATS" studies are necessary before we can determine whether a cooperative program including all areas within the Centre Region, is financially feasible. I would hope this data would also provide an indication of the willingness of student citizens to support a pre-paid Kent State type of system. I also hope these studies will -include long-range financial implications after the state and federal grants we've heard about are no longer available. If there is evidence of fiscal feasibility on a long-range basis that would require only minimal subsidy by the municipalities, then I would favor this concept of mass transportation. Dean Phillips (Democrat) As one optional solution to the Center Region's mass transit problems I would propose a comprehensive plan to deal with all aspects of the transportation problem. We are a highly congested semi-urban area in the borough of State College. The traffic problems are enormous. We have too many cars, smelly inefficient buses, conflicts between bicycles and cars, parking problems and hazardous conditions ' for pedestrians. All these problems must be dealt with. The comprehensive solution would include the following: a pre-paid mass transit system. Buses would run throughout the region, on schedule, and during the entire day and most of the night. The system would eventually include a dial-a bus system. Transit would be new owned and operated and all new equipment would be purchased with federal matching funds. Other alternative routes of funding include revenue sharing funds, University subsidization as students, faculty and employees will derive many benefits from the system, local government funds and matching state funds to cover part of the losses. A permanent solution to the bicycle CORK CORK CORK Moo 1' x 3' x 1 /2" great for bulletin boards art work and other creative projects sofa & chair 127 e. beaver 237-6612 problem This includes bike racks-- portable or permanent (portable racks solve the objections raised by the borough manager) placed strategically throughout the downtown area. The immediate development of special bike lanes utilizing many of our one lane streets and potentially including one lane of parking on College Avenue. Strict protection of bicyclists from hazardous driving practices. It is dangerous for a bicyclist to share a lane of traffic with a passing car. Subsidization of licensing fees for bicyclists. They are helping to solve the transportation problem by leaving their cars at home and making it easier for those that drive to park, so subsidization can be justified. Revenue sharing funds can be used for this purpose. An incentive system for car pools.• This idea would offer free parking in the Pugh Street Parking Garage to car pools that show up with three or more people. Registration of car pools would serve as a control. The possibility of peripheral parking and shuttle buses should be explored by the borough and the University. Staggered working times should also be investigated. The issue of pedestrian malls should not be allowed to die. Pedestrian malls encourage. people to walk and shop. Combined with a good bus system, pedestrian malls will be good for business and the public. The essential point is that people should have a pleasant, safe place to walk and shop in the borough. Harold Zipser (Republican) This problem requires cooperation of the borough, University, five townships surrounding the borough, and the local business people. No public transit system can exist without being subsidized. With the cooperation of all of the above, plus the general public to support the transit system on a continual basis and not sporadically, this problem could be solved. floating arm lamp . 17.95 up to 100 w bulb, clamp included
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