"Go Vermont" in Governor's State of the State

    Governor Douglas recently proposed "Go Vermont", what he describes as "a three-pronged approach" to improving transportation in the state. The three points proposed include developing and promoting cleaner burning biofuels, increasing vehicle emission standards, and providing smarter more cost-effective transportation alternatives. Already the state fleet uses 150,000 gallons of biodiesel. Also, the state has increased its investment in public transit from $13 million to more than $21 million a year in the last 5 years - a 65% increase. Nevertheless, the Governor is dedicated to doing more to curb greenhouse gas emissions and save Vermonters money on transportation. Part of his proposal includes creating a database linking commuters to carpools as well as doubling the number of park-and-ride spaces in the state and offering more money to municipal park and ride programs. [Sources: VPR Full Text of Governor's Address, WCAX, Times Argus, Bennington Banner]

   Safe Routes to School Program Informs Possible Applicants 

    The Safe Routes to School Program will gain $250,000 in grant funds through VTrans in 2008. Jon Kaplan the program's coordinator with VTrans was in Rutland last week discussing the focus of the group and the positive outcomes of the program - reducing obesity in children, cutting down on traffic congestion, improving air quality. Kaplan was also answering questions about the application process as it is different in this phase due to lessons learned in phase 1 of the program. The current phase of the application process will focus on education, encouragement, enforcement, and evaluation. To learn more about the application process or parties involved go to www.saferoutesinfo.org. [Sources: Rutland Herald - Article 1 & Article 2]

Rise in Fuel Prices has People in a Pinch

    Significantly high diesel prices have those dependent on the fuel in a pinch. Averaging $3.62 a gallon last month in Vermont diesel is putting extra stress on the state's farmers and other users. The Vermont Transit Co., the states only interstate bus service and a dependent diesel user, is seeing a significant rise in operating costs. Currently, they are paying 50 cents a mile for fuel whereas last year they were paying 32 cents and in 2005 only 23 cents. Chris Andreasson, Vermont Transit Co. general manager says thankfully ridership is up 5 to 15 percent from last year depending on the route. Marble Valley Region Transit District (aka The Bus) has also felt the pressure of rising diesel prices. The Bus uses 150,000 gallons of diesel a year and in attempt to become more environmentally friendly recently made the switch to biodiesel. The downside, however, states spokeswoman for the Bus, Ellen Atkinson, is biodiesel costs 5 cents more per gallon, and although worth it, it is still an additional cost tacked on to already high prices. [Source: Rutland Herald]

    Vermont's House Transportation Committee went on a tour of bridges last week in Washington County as 16% of the state's bridges are structurally deficient. With conflicting ideas on solutions to this problem lingering among legislators the Governor's budget priorities may have some answers. [Source: VPR]

    The town of Dover Vermont is looking into new ways to make roads safer for pedestrians after a 22 year old man was run over by State Police last month. The town is considering adding more street lights for $500 a pole as well as increasing sidewalks for $125 per linear foot. [Source: Brattleboro Reformer]

    Amtrak workers will not go on strike in Vermont or New York. If Amtrak workers had not met a deal with their union, the strike would have shut down all passenger rail in Vermont. All lines - Ethan Allen, Montrealer, and Adirondack - will continue to run. [Source: WCAX]