Favourable newspaper and local radio coverage, (in which we have emphasized the uniqueness of PEI in lacking a public transportation system) together with distribution of our leaflet, ABC's of Transportation on PEI, have at least succeeded in making public transport talked about. Very encouraging is that our new members are assuming an increasingly active role galvanizing support and running meetings. I am more confident that our activities will not diminish while we are absent over the winter.

Our plan of action is to set up a Steering Committee of government ministers, businessmen, local development corporations, and service organizations to plan a symposium on public transportation, to be held here in 1998. We are requesting assistance from Transport 2000 Canada, and will be drawing up a budget and raising money for the event.

On another front, a private bus tour operator, George Brookins of Trius Tours, who now receives a $60,000 annual subsidy from the City of Charlottetown to run a senior citizens' bus, is planning to add four routes, two of which will provide hourly service. He is committing himself to a six month trial, supported by an extensive publicity campaign. There is no indication that either the city or provincial governments will put any money into this venture; but there is a good possibility that it will attract support if the six month trial produces significant ridership. We have been dubious about this because of the lack of government subsidy but will be more optimistic if a commitment by Brookins and the City of Charlottetown to designate sufficient bus stops as non-parking areas, with appropriate signage and schedules, is realized. The effort has some support from one of our regional health bodies, which recently discovered it had spent $1 million last year transporting Health & Social Service clients via taxi.

The expanded service is to start some time in October. Fares shall be a reasonable $1.50 each way, and the extensive promotion includes giving free rides for the first month of operation. Brookins sees an opportunity in the removal of some government service offices further from the center of town, the limited parking space available to certain local firms with numerous employees, and the increasing traffic congestion, which, incidentally, is impacting on local business deliveries. Charlottetown politics, and a mayoral election due in November, can also be factored into the equation.

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