ROWLAND  MUST  NOT  CUT  GAS  TAX

AT  EXPENSE  OF  MASS  TRANSIT

(Stamford  -  December 23, 1999):         Governor Rowland's latest plans for a cut in gasoline taxes in Connecticut may mean fewer trains and higher ticket prices for riders of Metro-North and Shore Line East commuter railroads.  That was today's reaction of the CT Rail Commuter Council, a legislature-appointed watchdog group of commuters, to Gov. Rowland's proposal as reported today.

"While the Governor may be trying to play Santa Claus by promising drivers a gas tax cut, he's really delivering a lump of coal," says Council Vice Chmn. Jim Cameron of Darien.  "The Governor forgets to note that every penny's cut in gas taxes means $14 million in loss to the state's Special Transportation Fund which pays for mass transit.  If he doesn't make up for these losses, he's almost guaranteeing a cut in rail service and higher fares.  Such cuts are already rumored in Hartford and at C-DOT."

Council Chairman Rodney Chabot of New Canaan notes… "Cutting the gas tax may seem popular, but its bad public policy as it encourages increased driving at the same time the Governor and Legislature have passed a law requiring C-DOT to reduce traffic on I-95 and the Merritt Parkway."

The Council is on record as opposing recent fare increases for rail riders while also supporting a complete redesign of funding sources for mass transit.

"We cannot play this shell game with such a crucial public service," says Cameron.  "Mass transit is as vital to Connecticut as water and electricity, yet the Governor and Legislature won't fund it properly in a manner that is immune from politically-motivated tax cutting schemes."

"While the Governor seems interested in making Connecticut gas prices competitive with neighboring states, he should also study the way those states pay for mass transit…not out of gasoline taxes, but the General Fund.  If we want cheaper gas in CT it must not come at the expense of  mass transit."