In the absence of a community voice for public transit, Friends of Tri-State Public Transit is coming together. Friends’ purpose is to promote the value and advantages of public transit as an integral part of regional transportation that enables mobility throughout the eight county area and connections with other regions.

Growing highway congestion is a drain on the economy and quality of life in our Tri-State region. Sitting in traffic wastes time that could be spend at home or work, as well as wastes gas and contrib- utes to air pollution that negatively affects the economy, and quality of life and health. The automo- bile remains the chief means of transportation for the Tri-State. Limited public transit impedes access and mobility in the region.

A multi modal regional transportation system that includes public transit bus and rail service, bike- ways and pedestrian friendly infrastructure connecting with roads and highways enhances mobility and connectivity.

The goal of Friends of Tri-State Public Transit is to promote public discussion about the impact and the contributions of transit, including economic, environmental and quality of life.

Friends of Tri-State Public Transit will:

— Provide information about transit and related issues including economic and community development, the natural environment, modes of transit, cost/benefit, etc.

— Publicize meetings, forums and discussions about transit.

— Increase support for regional public transit.

— Be a forum for the exchange of ideas.

Strategies will include:

— Formulate and publicize a white paper, a public transit policy statement. LWV members and other founding members will shape the policy statement in the coming 3 months.

— Produce issue papers.

— Promote civic discourse and public understanding about transit via letters, talks, guest columns, etc.

— Question candidates during the fall election about public transit issues.

— Develop a web page for issue papers, notices, links, etc. as resources become available.

Membership in Friends — Requires an interest in the mission of promoting public transportation in this eight county region.

The League of Women Voters will host this virtual gathering.

To participate, or for additional information, contact the LWVCA at lwvcincy@eos.net  or call 281-8683