October 2007

Alternative Transportation
Watch this VPT & You spot by clicking here.


In Vermont, access to transportation is particularly essential for people living in small towns and rural areas who need to travel for work and for health care. Though using your car to go anywhere at any time is a convenience we often take for granted, there are important economic and environmental factors to consider.

Using a bicycle instead of a car for short trips keeps 15 pounds of pollutants out of the air. For every passenger mile traveled, public transportation uses half the fuel of automobiles. Last year more than $1 billion was spent in Vermont for gas and diesel.

And for those people who have limited or no access to a vehicle, Vermont has many alternative transportation systems in place to help you get where you’re going.

Alternative transportation:

• Biking
  
• Carpooling
  
• Commuter Bus
  
• Commuter Train
  
• RideShare
  
• Senior Van
  
• Telecommuting
  
• Walking

Tune in this month as VPT’s Public Square tackles “The Transportation Debate,” scheduled to air on October 18 at 8 pm. This live call-in will take a look at tough questions around how Vermont should raise and spend its transportation dollars.

Community Resources

Chittenden County Metropolitan Planning Organization (CCMPO) 30 Kimball Avenue, Suite 206 South Burlington, VT 802-660-4071 The Chittenden County Metropolitan Planning Organization (CCMPO) is the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the 18 municipalities of the Chittenden County region. Each year, the CCMPO oversees about $30 million in transportation investments. It evaluates and approves proposed transportation improvement projects and provides a forum for interagency cooperation and public input into funding decisions. It also sponsors and conducts studies, assists local municipalities with planning activities, and develops and updates the County's long range transportation plan (known as the Metropolitan Transportation Plan). Serving about 145,000 people, the CCMPO is Vermont's only MPO.

Senior Van Essex Jct., VT 802-878-6940 For Essex seniors age 60 and older, this van service is free for any appointment within the Town of Essex (including Essex Junction). The vans are equipped with a wheelchair lift and operate Monday through Friday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm and Sunday, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm. all between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 11:45 a.m., Monday - Friday, the day before your need.

Smart Mobility, Inc. 16 Beaver Meadow Road #3 PO Box 750 Norwich, VT 802-649-5422 Smart Mobility, Inc. offers customized services in the computer modeling and analysis of land use and transportation systems, and developing alternative conceptual designs to meet transportation needs.

UVM Transportation Center University of Vermont 210 Colchester Avenue Farrell Hall (Trinity Campus) Burlington, VT 802-656-1312 UTC’s mission statement is as follows: The mission is to develop integrated interdisciplinary research and education programs that advance the state and regional passenger and freight transportation system such that they promote a sustainable economy, healthy communities, appropriate land use development and re-development, equitable mobility, minimal environmental impacts and efficient energy use.

Vermont Agency of Transportation One National Life Drive Montpelier, VT 802-828-2657 The Vermont Agency of Transportation’s vision is a safe, efficient and fully integrated transportation system that promotes Vermont’s quality of life and economic wellbeing. VTrans’ mission is to provide for the movement of people and commerce in a safe, reliable, cost-effective and environmentally responsible manner.

Vermont Public Transportation Association (VPTA) 212 Holiday Dr., Suite 1 White River Jct., VT 802-296-2143 or 877 5 RIDEVT (877-574-3388) TDD 802-296-2153 State Public Transit & Carpool Information 1-800-685-RIDE (7433) info@vpta.net The Vermont Public Transportation Association is expanding economic opportunity and improving community life for Vermonters by providing and promoting transportation services so that you can get to your jobs, schools, medical services, and social functions. Check out their website for alternative transportation services, including services for the elderly and disabled.

Way To Go Vermont 802-229-0389 info@waytogovt.org “Way To Go” is an annual week-long program encouraging the use of cheaper, healthier, and more earth-friendly transportation alternatives. The challenge is over for 2007, however visit the Way To Go Vermont website for valuable information.

And be sure to watch VPT & You on-air updates, airing throughout our program schedule.