CityBus is addressing the energy crisis and fuel costs by preparing to provide increased public transportation services and boost ridership by 50 percent by 2012, says general manager Martin Sennett. The goals are part of a just-released, five-year strategic plan that Sennett would like to present publicly to local groups.
“This plan reflects sound energy policy and enhances economic development,” Sennett says. “A 50-percent increase would take us to 7 million rides in 2012, which is 2.3 million more rides than last year’s 4.7 million,” he said. “Making CityBus the transportation of choice, especially for work, school and other regular commutes, will reduce the city’s fuel consumption while bringing us advanced commuting options.”
Tallying the benefits, Sennett also cites reduced carbon emissions and thus cleaner air, less traffic congestion and fewer accidents, “The positive impacts also include a boost to economic development because businesses look for cities with good public transportation, signaling their commitment to improving their quality of life and environment.”
The plan also calls for reconfiguring the downtown transit facility and perhaps some public/private transit-oriented development. Expanded routes and increased frequency of service are also in the works. “All of this will need public understanding of the return-on-investment and public support for that investment,” Sennett said.
Development of the strategic plan, which drew on input from individuals, groups, Purdue University, Ivy Tech Community College, businesses, and CityBus drivers and riders, was facilitated by San Francisco-based Nelson\Nygaard, a transportation planning firm.
“The plan was developed based on the priorities identified by CityBus staff, board members and stakeholders throughout the Greater Lafayette area,” says Joey Goldman, Nelson\Nygaard principal.
“It’s a very comprehensive plan. One priority is to make sure the community really understands the role CityBus plays in environmental issues,” Goldman says. Another is to work closely with employers to encourage transit-accessible worksites and with developers to build housing and jobs along transit lines.
CityBus operates a fleet of 73, including four hybrid busses. It logged nearly 4.7 million passenger trips in 2007, including more than 340,000 on the Wabash Trolley Line. Its mission is to be a proactive community partner, striving to improve the community’s quality of life by operating safe, reliable and environmentally friendly transit services by partnering in local economic development activities and by providing excellent customer service and efficient, convenient access to destinations throughout Lafayette and West Lafayette.
Schedule a CityBus Presentation
To schedule a brief presentation for your organization, business or service group covering the new CityBus strategic plan and its community benefits, contact John Metzinger, manager of development, at 765/423-2666, john@gocitybus.com.
