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Transportation coalition urges stable transit funding, VMT targets and refocus of TAP to walking and biking
Summary
Coalition witnesses told the House Transportation Committee that Vermont needs steadier funding for public transit—especially rural demand-response service—clear vehicle-miles-traveled (VMT) reduction targets, and a return of Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) emphasis toward pedestrian, bicycle and Safe Routes to School projects.
Katie Gallagher, director of the Sustainable Communities Program at the Vermont Natural Resources Council, told the House Transportation Committee that the Transportation for Vermonters coalition is asking lawmakers to stabilize funding for walking, biking and transit, adopt measurable VMT reduction targets and ensure land-use planning under Act 181 supports transit and sidewalks.
"We have a goal of reducing the amount that we drive," Gallagher said, pressing the committee to ask the Agency of Transportation to work with ANR, DHCD, VAPTA and transit providers to develop statewide per-capita VMT reduction targets to guide investments.
The coalition framed transportation as central to housing affordability, public health and climate goals. Gallagher cited a stark figure—described in written testimony—that combining transportation and housing costs dramatically changes affordability comparisons between towns, and said aligning land use and transportation under Act 181 can reduce long-term costs for homeowners and municipalities.
Kelly Stoddard Ford, associate state director at AARP Vermont,…
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