Anchorage, AK, June 13th, 2008 – Responding to increased demand for alternatives to single-occupancy vehicle travel at a time of rising gasoline prices, Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich and Mat-Su Borough Mayor Curt Menard have signed a Letter of Agreement to create a regional transit authority.  The agreement states that the two communities will collaborate “to provide comprehensive public transportation services in the Southcentral region.”

According to the agreement, “[c]onservative estimates indicate that more than 14,000 people commute between the Mat-Su and Anchorage every day, with projections estimating that traffic to grow to 30,000 within just 15 years.”  The newly-created authority will consider a mix of public transportation strategies including additional buses, van-pool capacity increases, carpooling, commuter rail development, and Mat-Su ferry service.

“This forward-thinking Letter of Agreement between Anchorage and the Mat-Su Borough will greatly help Southcentral Alaska residents by ensuring that there are alternatives to costly car and truck travel.  The agreement’s broad mandate ensures that Anchorage and the Mat-Su Borough willconsider all public transportation options in the near- and long-term,” said Lois Epstein, an engineer and director of the Alaska Transportation Priorities Project, a non-profit public interest organization.

“The economic benefits of improved public transportation in Southcentral include reduced congestion on the Glenn Highway, and increased productivity for those who can work while commuting rather than focusing on avoiding moose and black ice while driving.  Increased transit opportunities also reduce pollution including pollution associated with global warming and maintain wildlife habitat by reducing sprawl,” Epstein added.

Download: Press Release, June 13th, 2008 (MS Word, 190k)

Download: Anchorage-MatSu Letter of Agreement (MS Word, 150k)

Listen: Lori Townsend's report about this agreement on Alaska Public Radio Network, which aired Friday June 13th 2008.