Page 1 of 1 Mish, Catherine From: Peter Varga [PVarga@ridetherapid org] Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2009 7:56 AM To: —_vandureb@ciwyoming.mi.us; Barbara Holt (E-mail); Carol Sheets; caaustin dlawiess QIN: Heartwell, George; Ira Hart; Jack Hofiman: White, James 8; haynes QR: Moris, Riek, gecer ar RIN, Richard Root; Rob VerHeulen; Steve Maas; Terry Schweitzer (E-mail) Cc: @Management Team Subject: BRT Talking Points ~We will be evaluating our options with regard to a bus rapid transit project in the context of the long-range planning effort that is scheduled to begin later this year. Similar to the Mobile Metro 2020 effort of 1998, community input will be critical to the process in defining the long-term needs and goals of the system. --The project status with FTA has not changed. The environmental assessment will continue, which is the next step in the process and was already underway. If the project is to eventually move forward, we will still need to submit a financial plan to FTA before we can enter project development. ~The vote was very close. We've heard from a number of people who were extremely disappointed in the outcome and remain committed to moving public transportation to the next level in the region. There is still energy and enthusiasm for this project out there. The community meetings will give the opportunity for a more direct discussion of the project and its implications as part of the long range planning effort. Peter J, Varga CeO Interurban Transit Partnership 300 Ellsworth Avenue S.W. Grand Rapids, Mi 49503-4005 616.456.7514 pvarga@ridetherapid.org ravi) 7/2/2009