A new coalition of more than a dozen organizations focused on a range of issues envisions more walking, cycling, rolling, shared rides and public transportation as future options.
The group, called Transportation for Maine, wants greater investment in sustainable and affordable options for people to get around, according to a news release.
“All people in Maine should have safe, accessible, affordable, relevant and reliable ways to get around,” said Zoe Miller, the group’s co-chair and executive director of Moving Maine Network, a transportation access coalition. “Transportation shapes nearly every aspect of daily life — from access to jobs, education and health care to community connection and quality of life.”
The initiative was announced in Skowhegan ‘at the Build Maine conference.
Funding shortfall
Launched in Skowhegan with over 15 organizations, Transportation for Maine is calling for transportation that is accessible, affordable and safe for all, relevant to diverse needs, reliable year-round in all parts of the state, flexible enough to provide transportation choices, and beneficial to communities, public health and the environment.
The group is focused on economic development, transit, social services, land use, climate, conservation and fiscal responsibility.
According to the coalition, Maine’s current transportation system leaves many people without dependable ways to access work, health care, education and community life — especially older adults, young people, low-income households and those who cannot or choose not to drive.
Funding gaps
Non-drivers make up 30% of the population, while less than 25% of state transportation funding goes to driving alternatives, including transit, ports, ferries, passenger rail, freight rail, aviation, walking, biking and rolling, according to a news release.
Maine faces a transportation funding shortfall of $280 million by 2027, and public transportation, walking, biking, rolling and community rides have been underfunded as Maine prioritizes highways and bridges instead of multimodal options, according to the coalition.
“Too many Maine people are forced to spend a huge share of their income just getting where they need to go,” said Josh Caldwell, climate and clean energy policy advocate for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. “In most homes, a vehicle is the second largest expense next to housing. The status quo is not tenable for many families.”
