An open letter to the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce:

Citizens for Responsible government, a non-profit, non-partisan civic organization, strongly recommends that the emphasis on future transportation projects on the Eastern Shore be on public transportation.

We urge that there be regularly scheduled bus service throughout the day and into the evening, serving Point Clear, Fairhope, Daphne, Spanish Fort and Mobile. Such bus service should pass through the older, higher density portions of these communities. There should be frequent stops and shelters with benches at some of the stops.

The newly established bus service from the Eastern Shore to downtown Mobile is a start, but the schedule is such that it only serves commuters spending the entire day in Mobile. There should be buses throughout the day so that those wishing to shop, dine, do business, or go to cultural or entertainment events during the day are able to use public transportation.

Within the Eastern Shore communities, the bus service should allow citizens to take a bus to shopping, medical offices, libraries and various neighborhoods, with schedules such that the transit rider would know with confidence that a bus will be coming to the bus stop at a time certain to return him or her home. Buses should be relatively small, energy-efficient vehicles.

There are many reasons why the future emphasis on transportation should be on public transportation rather than expressway and highway construction. Having more people travel by bus and fewer by private automobile will reduce the consuption of gasoline and the generation of greenhouse gases adding to global climate change.

Promoting bus service will also reduce traffic congestion, perhaps reducing the need to spend scarce tax revenues on highway and bridge construction. Bus service encourages people to walk a few blocks to the bus stop, thereby contributing to a more healthy lifestyle.

A growing number of residents along the Eastern Shore are elderly, and for some, driving is unsafe or stressful. Having regularly scheduled bus service would improve the quality of their lives, and make the Eastern Shore an even more attractive place to retire.

The increasing cost of gasoline will encourage more people to travel by bus, if such service is available. We urge the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce and their consulting team to emphasize the role of public transportation in transportation planning for the Eastern Shore.