I haven't heard anything said about planning for transportation in the 21st century. I think it's an issue that could have far reaching implications in community development, regional, planning, and economic planning.
We all talk about cutting back on petroleum consumption. We talk about driving less. In an area like Bradford, you can only cut back so much. How many of us can walk to work, or the grocery store? If we want to devolop the Foster Township - Pitt-Bradford corridor, do we want to walk it?
The Area Transportation Authority does a good job of giving personal service to the region, including outlying areas like Eldred. Shouldn't mass transportation be part of the long-range plan for the area?
Does the ATA service the Foster Township to Pitt-Bradford corridor adequately?
What about routes to service employees of BRMC or Zippo that coincide with shift changes?
Another consideration could be short-haul rail service. Regional planning could be the spark to start pulling together the pieces. Working with the rail companies to facilitate a station. Working with State or Federal authorities on financing and legislative issues. Rail-wise we are a hub from Buffalo to Pittsburgh, Cleveland to NYC.
Rising oil prices could make rail passenger service more attractive. It could have the same effect on transportation of goods if the means exist to load and unload.
If we are truly to cut back on oil consumption by driving less, we need to plan the infrastructure that will allow us to do it.