Commerce eyes public transportation system

If plans materialize, the CNMI government will be implementing a public transport system on Saipan beginning next year.

Based on a Department of Commerce 2005-2010 Public Transportation Development Plan, a task force shall be created and a recommendation report on the proposed program shall be submitted to the governor and the Legislature within the year.

By February 2006, it shall submit for a grant to the Federal Transit Administration. A gradual implementation of the program shall begin in August 2006.

In a report obtained from the department, it said the goal “is to establish a public transportation system that provides for an improved mobility of our citizens and the transportation of goods and services.”

The report indicated that it was prepared by Glenn H. Manglona, the department’s economic development analyst.

It said the agency came up with the idea in view of the Commonwealth’s anticipated growth and economic opportunities.

“Now is the time to shape option that will assure a quality of life to sustain growth, fuel economic vitality and conserves the CNMI’s heritage within a rapidly evolving international environment,” said Manglona in his report.

He said the public transport system shall include varied transportation options such as buses, carpools, vanpools, curb to curb paratransit service, and rain train or monorail system.

A Saipan Tribune online poll conducted from May 2 to May 9, 2005, showed overwhelming support for a public transportation system in the CNMI. Of the 335 respondents, 300 answered “yes” to the poll question “With the high cost of gas, is it time for the CNMI to put in place a public transportation system.”

Based on the Commerce Department plan, the department shall recommend the creation of task force to develop a comprehensive mass transportation within 12 months, as well as the passage of a law creating a public transport advisory board, a public transportation division or department under the Executive Branch.

The newly formed agency shall then be tasked to submit a grant application to the Federal Transit Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation.

Manglona, in his report, said that part of the FTA’s mandate is the improvement of public transportation in the U.S.

Through FTA, the federal government provides financial assistance and training to local transit systems and planning organization.

Manglona said the federal grant matching requirement would be 80 percent federal funds and 20 percent state funds.

Rep. Clyde K. Norita had introduced a bill last month proposing a mass transit system in the CNMI.

“You have to understand that the amount of vehicles we have on island and the highways and space is limited, so we have to find a way to introduce a mass transit here,” said Norita.

He said he is not personally aware of the Commerce’s plan.

“But it’s good to learn that they’re actually pushing for it. I’m willing to work with them,” said Norita.

He said the government’s immediate goal “is not to hire people, but to get a grant.”

In House Bill 14-318, Norita said the mass transit system shall be operated under the CNMI Office of Transit Authority which shall be created within the Office of the Governor.

The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Public Utilities, Transportation, and Communications, chaired by Vice Speaker Timothy P. Villagomez.

At present, the only buses running in the CNMI are for tourists and are privately operated. There are also taxicabs but most residents complain of them being too expensive and impractical for everyday use.