US fuel prices push public transport numbers to 50-year high

US fuel prices push public transport numbers to 50-year high

Record fuel prices in the US have spurred the highest level of public transport use in the country in half a century.

A report by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has found that US commuters took more than 10 billion trips on trains and buses in the last year.
Light rail systems had the highest percentage of increased passenger use, up 6.1 per cent in 2007.

"Public transportation use is up 32 per cent since 1995, a figure that is more than double the growth rate of the population (15 per cent) and over the growth rate for the vehicle miles travelled on our nation's highways (24 per cent) for that same period," the report said.
The Association has called for more federal funding so that Americans can access affordable
transport options.

"Now with gas prices predicted to rise to $US4 ($4.30) a gallon, there is a greater urgency for higher federal funding to expand US public transportation systems so Americans have an affordable transportation choice," APTA president William W Millar said.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/03/11/2186619.htm?section=justin

Next CAST organising meeting

After a very successful first public peeting with over 50 people attending, CAST will be holding its next organising meeting to discuss the future possiblities for the group.

When? 1st April at 7pm
Where? Venue TBC

For more info call Jonathan 0431 683 088

Public Meeting - 11 March, 7pm

Better Public transport and Bikeways

Public Meeting

Imagine:

* no more gridlock

* free and frequent public transport

* a network of safe bikeways

* light rail

*sustainable town planning

Have your say!

Talk with council candidates about better

and cleaner transport for Cairns.

TUES 11 MARCH - 6:45 for &pm start

Serbian club, 73-79 Greenslopes Street, Edge Hill

Organised by CAST - Cairns Action for Sustainable Transport

ph : 0431 683 088