Seeing the critical need for a stronger role by citizens in policy and budget decisions relating to public transit in Ohio. Simply Living's Active Transportation Project, with leadership from Eric Davies and Lisa Staggenborg, recently collaborated with Policy Matters Ohio to host a gathering to explore how to increase transit advocacy in Central Ohio and throughout the state.

For many Ohioans, public transit is a necessity to get to jobs, schools, and medical appointments. In the face of a depressed economy, Ohio's funding has been severely eroded, jeopardizing the viability of many transit systems. Ohio's funding for public transit has been reduced by 75% since 2001, and state funding now provides less than 3% of operating costs for Ohio's transit systems. (The typical state provides 23% of needed funding.) In fact, All Aboard Ohio estimates the the state will pay more to mow grass along our highways than it will spend on buses, light rail, and commuter trains combined.

Attendees gave enthusiastic support for creating a strong collaborative effort to make this a higher priority in the state buget. Persons supporting increased state funding for public transit can sign and/or download a petition at www.petitiononline.com/transOH/, created by the Coalition to Save Transit Now, Move Transit Forward.