Maine Lawmakers and Transportation Advocates Praise Benefits of Bill to Expand ZOOM Commuter Bus Service Prior to Public Hearing

PORTLAND, ME  MARCH 22, 2011 – At a press conference today in advance of the first public hearing on the ZOOM bus bill, supporters, including three of the 26 sponsors of the bill and steering committee members of the Maine Alliance for Sustainable Transportation (MAST), detailed the many benefits of the bill, which seeks to expand the popular ZOOM commuter bus service to meet rapid growth in demand.

The bill, titled “An Act to Expand Fiscally Responsible Transportation through Increased ZOOM Bus Service,” will increase commuter transit options, reduce household expenditures on gasoline and diesel, increase employment opportunities and productivity and reduce government expenditures by expanding the routes of the highly successful ZOOM Turnpike Express bus services between Maine’s largest cities. The program would also direct the Maine Turnpike Authority to establish a state highway fund, to which it will allocate at least three percent of its annual revenues, for the improved maintenance of Maine’s roadways.

“The bill provides a viable solution for towns that are eager to foster greater downtown development but lack the infrastructure to support additional car traffic or expand parking facilities,” said Representative Bradley Moulton (R-York), the bill’s co-sponsor who spoke at today’s event. “Providing reliable transit service in those areas offers a way to use the existing infrastructure more efficiently, providing significant cost savings to both municipalities and employers. The ZOOM proposal is proof that we can grow Maine’s economy without going into debt for new roads.”

“Right now, buses are full and park-and-ride facilities are at capacity. It’s clear that the ZOOM proposal is something Maine really needs,” said Representative Ben Chipman (I-Portland), a co-sponsor of the bill. “Increased service could take up to 2,500 commuters every day within easy walking distance of over 70,000 jobs in the downtown areas of Biddeford, Saco, Portland, West Falmouth, Lewiston, Auburn and Augusta. This proposal will also go a long way towards reducing traffic congestion and making our roads safer in urban areas of the state, such as my district.”

“By taking the bus instead of driving, Maine commuters will save an average of 730 gallons of gas per year,” said Jane West, staff attorney at the Conservation Law Foundation and a steering committee member of MAST. “That’s about $2,200 a year going back into the pockets of Maine families.”

In addition to Rep. Moulton, Rep. Chipman and Ms. West, also speaking at today’s event were Senator Justin Alfond (D-Portland) a co-sponsor of the bill, Nicola Wells, communications director and organizer at the Maine League of Young Voters and a steering committee member of MAST and Christian MilNeil, citizen activist.

The press event directly preceded the first public hearing on the bill, held before the Legislature’s Transportation Committee from 1–4 PM at the State House.

Background on ZOOM

The very successful and cost-effective ZOOM commuter bus service that runs between downtown Portland and park-and-ride lots in Biddeford and Saco is nearing the limits of its capabilities, with full buses and near-capacity park-and-ride lots. In January, 2011, MAST, led by Conservation Law Foundation, submitted a bill request to the 125th Legislature seeking to expand ZOOM bus service between Portland and points in York County and add new service between Portland and Lewiston and Auburn and between Portland and Augusta. The bill has 26 co-sponsors, including four who serve on the Legislature’s Transportation Committee. That bill, now called LD 673, was the subject of today’s public hearing.

The Maine Alliance for Sustainable Transportation (MAST) works with decision makers to ensure that Mainers have access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable transportation. MAST strives to defend, expand and improve sustainable transportation options through advocacy, policy initiatives, and public outreach.