Final
The Economic Impact of Mass Transit
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Votes:
Action Taken:
<none>
<none>
09:47 AM --- The Economic Impact of Mass Transit, Mr. Larry Worth, Colorado Association of Transit Agencies
Mr. Larry Worth, Colorado Association of Transit Agencies (CASTA), discussed the economic benefits of mass transit. A CASTA brochure and a copy of his presentation were distributed to the committee (Attachments B and C). He provided information on how transit impacts communities. RTD moves 50,000 people into downtown Denver every day. The Front Range Express, the commuter service from Fountain to Denver, transports an average of 421 riders a day. He also discussed the importance of County Express, a transit service in northeastern Colorado. He explained how people also use transit for recreation. Transit is very important in certain mountain resorts. RTD also provides access to entertainment events in Denver.
Mr. Worth continued by discussing the economic impact of transit agencies. Agencies employ people and purchase goods and services. Over 3,000 people are employed by transit agencies in Colorado and transit agencies spent over $400 million in 2004 on salaries, maintenance, fuel, and other operating expenses. He concluded by discussing the importance of transit to people without cars. It also important to people who want an alternative to cars to get to places quickly, safely, and cheaply. Businesses also rely on transit for its employees and customers.
Representative Borodkin and Mr. Worth discussed the need for increased and better transit in the state. Representative Borodkin indicated that better transit would benefit the tourism industry. Senator Bacon inquired about how the state can create more mass transit. Mr. Worth explained that increased mass transit will require increased public funding and transportation districts. Partnerships involving transit agencies and private entities could also be utilized. He commented on a CASTA partnership with a private hospital that helps transport the hospital's clients and employees.
Representative Lindstrom discussed the funding of transit in resort communities through sales taxes, which is popular among locals because they believe visitors pay most of the costs for transit. He discussed the need for a statewide transit plan. Mr. Worth explained that CDOT's recent transportation plans have incorporated transit.