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Percy Barrett, Opposition Environment and Conservation Critic and MHA for
the District of Bellevue, says the Williams government should start
exploring the possibility of expanding public transportation systems in the
province as part of a comprehensive action plan to deal with increasing fuel
prices. "There are some areas of this province where increased public
transportation may prove to be a viable alternative," said Barrett. "For
example, on the northeast Avalon there is population base to sustain an
expanded public transportation network. If the provincial government were to
get involved to co-ordinate and offer incentives, real progress could be
made. There is no public transportation service presently available in
Paradise or Conception Bay South and I believe an expansion of the current
Metrobus service in St. John’s and Mount Pearl may be possible.
"Improved public transportation would provide cost effective and
environmentally friendly options for some commuters in this region. Such a
service may also help ease traffic congestion, provide necessary services to
growing municipalities and benefit the overall economy. Public transit is
certainly worth exploring and the recent spike in fuel prices is just one
reason for government to become involved.
"Both the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Transportation
and Works have a responsibility to explore these options and work with town
councils and potential user groups to explore arrangements which might be
feasible. Government has not been active in pursuing proactive initiatives
like this and it is time new cost-effective and environmentally friendly
alternatives are explored."
The Liberal MHA says he is dismayed at the lack of action being taken by
government to deal with increasing fuel prices. "The Williams government
seems to think they have no role to play as fuel prices continue to rise.
They are content to horde the huge increases in tax and royalty revenue
generated by these increases without dealing with the negative impacts such
increases are having on the people of this province."
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