CVPS and Green Mountain College target those who cannot drive yet in hopes of teaching the decision makers of tomorrow about today's technologies. The technology: The Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) - an ever more popular alternative vehicle that has, for the past year, been basking in the spotlight here in Vermont and around the U.S. Although, only three PHEVs exist in Vermont - 2 owned by CVPS and 1 by the UVM Transportation Center - they are making a splash in the news and raising the excitement of hopeful conscious consumers and soon to be drivers. The cars get 35 miles on pure electricity from a four hour charge and have an 80 to 70 mpg fuel economy. Already a part of some exciting ongoing research in Vermont, researches have found that these vehicles could make up 1/3 of Vermont's fleet without the state having to build any new power sources. Those conducting the research - CVPS, Green Mountain College, UVM Transportation Center and the students learning about it, most recently a group of Rutland 7th graders are excited to see further results. Skiing is important to me and Global Warming stinks, says one 7th grader! [Source:
WCAX]
Oil prices are rising to record levels and the dollar is hurting. What does this mean for Vermont, the U.S., and the rest of the world?On Monday March 3, 2008 the price per barrel of oil surpassed the 1980 record. The price set in April 1980 was $39.50/barrel, equaling $103.76/barrel in today's money after inflation adjustments. The highest trade on March 3rd was $103.95/barrel - $0.19 higher than the 1980 record. Even more, since the beginning of the month the price per barrel has been tagged at more than $110 - a new record price. Vermonters voting on Town Meeting day (March 4, 2008) already expressed concern for rising fuel prices and other transportation related costs. Nevertheless, Global oil consumption is still on the rise and expected to continue to rise by 1.4 million barrels a day for the next year. [Sources: New York Times & Times Argus]
A one dollar investment today makes for a ten dollar savings down the road when investing in Vermont's existing transportation infrastructure. Titled the "Road to Affordability", Neal Lunderville, Vermont's Secretary of Transportation says the Governor's transportation budget meets much required needs. Its objective - repair, rehabilitation, and maintenance - something not just bridge historians are interested in. With a 47% increase in the Governors proposed budget for preservation related activities and an extra $500,000 to address public transit concerns Vermont's transportation future could be on the "right" track to reducing future costs to residents and reducing emissions and pollution that the State would see with the creation of new roads, bridges, and the lack of public transit. But is it enough? The Governors new transportation budget rings in at $424 million with a 4% increase over current spending without a raise in taxes. [Sources: 
Vermont finds itself ranked nationally on what could be considered a rather unfamiliar, but very appropriate list. Burlington ranked number 42 out of 500 U.S. cities surveyed on their "walkability". Ranked as the top walking city in 
The town of Hinesburg is taking a lead in looking for alternative modes of transportation. Hinesburg Rides - a three-component transportation program concentrated on offering alternatives to the single occupancy vehicle and rides to those in need of transportation - has lifted the new plan off the ground with a volunteer driver program. The program, operating through the local nonprofit Hinesburg Community Resource Center, is also working on setting up a car-pooling and ridesharing base. One of the main objectives of the program is, to not only provide these initial alternatives, but to bring even more alternatives to Hinesburg and the surrounding area by proving that further transit options are used and needed in and around Hinesburg. Hinesburg's two largest employers, Saputo Cheese USA and NRG Systems, are behind the program and one of the hopes is to see a CCTA bus route to Hinesburg in the near future. [Source: 