Statewide Transportation Coordination Summit

Federal, State and local transportation officials are gathered in Jackson, this week for the "Changing the face of Transit" summit. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.

Clara Wise of Jackson is one of dozens of citizens who gathered at the State capitol yesterday to talk about the importance of public transportation.

"Yeah I have three doctors appointments. I have to go to the beauty shop. I go to senior citizens nutrition site five days a week. if it wasn't for public transportation, I’d be stuck in the mud."

According to Charles Carr, Director of public transportation for the Ms. dept of Transportation. Their goal is to get lawmakers to consider policies that would help local providers offer more transportation.

"Not for just the indigent or the poor but for all of Mississippi. We're looking at public transportation as an alternative to the automobile where it's practical. Because we have to face energy concerns as well. But for the first time they are now providing more trips to jobs."

Also being discussed is the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. It includes 17 billion dollars for public transit and high-speed rail. Natchez Transit system director, Sabrina Bartly is hoping the stimulus package has money for a transportation center in the River City.

"Where all of the transportation providers can come together, exchange passengers, receive work orders, repair their vehicles in one central location. In part of the stimulus package we're asking that a transportation center be considered for southwestern Mississippi in Natchez."

The group wraps up its meeting today. For MPB news, I'm Lawayne Childrey.