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sample letter

Below is a sample letter to your legislator supporting transit.

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Sample letter to legislator: Support Transit

Dear ____________,

I am asking you and your fellow lawmakers to help secure the future of our region by investing in mass transit and restoring appropriate funding for the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA).  As the region’s mobility leader, CDTA provides solutions to many major issues our country is facing today including traffic congestion, global warming and pollution, foreign oil independence, economic development and accessibility. 

The weak economy, combined with reductions in Federal and state funding for mass transit have left CDTA with a funding gap that threatens their ability to provide the level of service this region demands and deserves—at a time when more people than ever are using public transportation. This year, CDTA had a 15% increase in ridership that remained steady even when gas prices fell—proving that people are willing to change their driving behavior if a convenient, reliable and affordable alternative is available. 

Increasing investment in public transportation will pay dividends to the entire region. An investment in CDTA will:

  • Create and sustain jobs and reduce our business and energy costs in the long term.  Every $1 invested in public transportation generates an average of $6 in economic returns. 
  • Clear the air. Traffic congestion in the Capital Region costs us $78 billion a year and wastes 2.8 million gallons of fuel.  By riding CDTA buses, we can save 2.6 million gallons of gas, and reduce emissions by nearly 26,000 tons a year. 
  • Provide more mobility choices for future generations—by guiding the rebuilding of our street and highway infrastructure in ways that make them more efficient, effective and transit-friendly.

 

CDTA has developed a strategic plan that will shape our transportation infrastructure for the future, support growth, maintain quality of life and get people where they need and want to go.

CDTA is ready to take action—if you help provide funding. 

Please make an investment in the future of the Capital Region by supporting public transportation. Thank you. 

Sincerely,

John Q. Public