[BIKE] AAA

[John Boyle]

Another reason to join the Better World Club and Philly Car Share  Waa Waa Waa L   Posted on Wed, Jan. 26, 2005   Letters | Don't punish drivers to pay for SEPTA   WHETHER YOU ARE a motorist, rider of mass transit, or both, AAA Mid-Atlantic believes we must be concerned about the condition of all modes of transportation in Pennsylvania. Both transit and highway face critical funding shortfalls in two distinct categories of funding: capital monies to address capacity, safety and maintenance of our roads and bridges, and operating monies to fund mass transit. It would be short-sighted to divert highway capital monies to mass transit. As the voice of the motoring public for more than 100 years, AAA believes the Commonwealth needs to seriously look at the efficiency and effectiveness of all transportation spending in order to keep people safe and mobile. Excessively high gas taxes are neither the solution, nor prudent economic policy. The impact of more expensive fuel on personal pocketbooks goes well beyond whether individuals commute via auto or mass transit. Transportation is the major variable cost component of most of our basic necessities, such as food and clothing. These embedded costs are passed on to consumers. AAA Mid-Atlantic urgently recommends the Commonwealth convene a summit of transportation policy and economic experts to develop equitable and feasible recommendations for long-term and reliable funding of all modes of transportation. Nothing less than our personal freedom of mobility and economic progress are at stake. AAA Mid-Atlantic serves 3.5 million members in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and the District of Columbia, providing automotive, travel, personal insurance and financial services. AAA has represented motorists and travelers for more than 100 years. Nearly 27 percent of U.S. drivers are AAA members. Ronald W. Kosh, Vice President Public and Government Relations AAA Mid-Atlantic