Funding ( taxpayer funds ) for Freedom transit was
obtained by Representative Platts at the request of the
Park Service / Foundation.
It was to be a three year demonstration project with the
transit to be self supporting by the end of the period.
This was reiterated to me at one of Congressman Platts
town hall meetings.
This reminds me of Mr. Latschar repeatedly saying that the
new museum would always be free. A charge and two
raises later....
Even before the end of the demonstration period, taxpayer
funds of over one million dollars had been spent for a new
transit station.
Electronic road loops and signs for when the new museum
parking lots were full, cost taxpayers over another million.
I would question Pa. State Representative Dan Moul on
how Pa. taxpayer funds began to be used on this so called
self supporting fiasco. I emailed July 29th and have not yet
received an answer.
I would also ask him why another $385,936 in Pa. taxpayer
funds for the coming year?
Mr. Farr states that it is projected 182,000 will ride the
three lines this year. ( four counting the Gold line ) This is
the 150th anniversary year. These numbers will no doubt
go down going forward.
With $454,041 in Federal taxpayer funds, $385,936 in
state taxpayer funds, $42,000 in Adams County taxpayer
funds, and $26,106 in township taxpayer funds, that is
$908,083 in taxpayer funds for 182,000 riders.
If the Gettysburg Foundation wants a bus to cover satellite
parking, let them pay for it. If people in Gettysburg need a
ride, support a cab company. If it costs you too much to
commute to Harrisburg, car pool. Don't ask all the rest of
us taxpayers to subsidize it.
Why our county commissioners believe Adams Countians
want to contribute to keep this taxpayer money pit going is
beyond my comprehension. Mr Farr noted that the
cost "could increase as much as 2% a year". We should
believe it will stop there?
>From the Rabbittransit website: "Freedom Transit rides are
FREE to the public! All rides and transfers are free on the
Lincoln Line, Gray Line, Blue Line and Gold Line (seasonal),
generously sponsored by the Gettysburg Foundation and
Gettysburg College."
We are paying for those "Free to the public" rides.
Take the time to let our commissioners and Representative
Moul know your feelings on Freedom Transit. Those getting
something for nothing will. |
