“There are Guamanians in our community who want to go to UOG or GCC but don’t have the means to make it to class on time. Qualified jobseekers are often overlooked by employers simply because they may not be able to make it to work on time. Creating an affordable, reliable mass transit system isn’t just a vision, it’s an issue we must address if we want people to pursue the opportunities that will help them improve their quality of life.” — Governor Eddie Baza Calvo
Planning team holds first mass transit expansion meeting
The Governor’s Office and Senator Aline Yamashita are leading an initiative to expand and support a modernized mass transit system for Guam. Senator Yamashita, chairwoman of the mass transit expansion planning team, was joined by a number of community stakeholders during the first planning meeting at Adelup today.
Team welcomes public commentary, ideas and solutions
Here are highlights of the discussion today:
– Sen. Yamashita went over the parameters of the pilot program and explained that, should the program succeed, we will look at expanding it to islandwide service.
– Sen. Mike San Nicolas, legislative oversight chairman of mass transit, said he wants to support whatever can be done to improve mass transit.
– Several mass transit and para-transit riders complained about the current services being unreliable and, at times, non-compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
– Widespread support was given for 24-hour service with more saturated bus stop routes.
– GCC Assistant Director of Communications Jayne Flores advocated for many of their 2,700 students, who often have issues with transportation to and from the campus.
– The agency heads for mass transit, Public Works, public schools, the division of senior citizens, veterans affairs, and DISID all were at the table prepared to contribute to solutions.
Next meeting Thursday, March 20
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 20 at 11 a.m. in the Governor’s Conference Room.
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