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."