Executive Director R. E. "Tuck" Duncan  told the committee that KPTA belongs to the APTA (American Public Transit Association), CTAA (Community Transportation Association of America) and SWTA (Southwest Transit Association).  He said, public transportation in the 21st century is on the move, as more and more Americans are discovering the benefits of traveling on buses, trolleys and paratransit.  In 2005, Americans took 9.7 billion trips on public transportation - 15 times the number of trips they took on domestic airlines.  Currently there are more than 6,400 providers of public and community transportation offering Americans freedom, opportunity and the choice to travel by means other than a car.  Investments in our nation's public transportation infrastructure are paying off, with many communities-large and small-expanding and modernizing their systems.   The benefits and importance of public transportation impact everyone, even those who may never board a bus, and Americans understand its value-so much so that people are willing to tax themselves, such as Denver, if needed, to expand public transportation services. Public transportation is critical to our nation's transportation system and is essential to the economic and social quality of life of our citizens.  The committee was told that through the development and deployment of 21st century technologies, today's riders are finding that public transportation is a far cry from the transit systems of yesteryear. Some commuter buses now have Wi-Fi capabilities.  Public transportation helps everyone-commuters, families, students, senior citizens, persons with disabilities-live the American dream, as they seek to fulfill their personal and career goals, meet their daily needs and maintain a high level of transportation independence. Now, more than ever, it is evident that vital, strong public transportation systems are needed in this country.  Public transportation not only helps to maintain and create jobs, it also moves people to and from their jobs. Employers have a larger labor pool from which to choose, and employees are happier because they are not driving in congestion delays.  Energy conservation is a national priority. Perhaps the best kept secret is that public transportation can achieve significant energy savings. As an inherently energy efficient travel mode that consumes an average of one-half the oil consumed by the typical automobile user, public transportation is already leading the way in conserving oil.  Each year, public transportation use in the U.S. saves 1.4 billion gallons of gasoline, representing 4 million gallons of gasoline per day.    Transit Relieves Congestion.  Mobility, the freedom and ability to travel, has always been an important part of the American lifestyle. However, as more and more vehicles crowd the nation's roadways, traffic congestion is having an increasingly debilitating effect on our quality of life.     Transit is a vital part of Growth.   All across America visions are being created for public transit.  A plan released last year in Pennsylvania calls for a "transit vision" for an integrated regional system with significant upgrade in service and smart growth urban designs providing efficiency.   States are recognizing that public transportation infrastructure and amenities support economic growth.  Transit should connect people to jobs and opportunities, provide accessibility for all, link directly to land use, facilitate and support growth, contribute to sustainability and be friendly to the environment.  Transit uses public resources efficiently and productively.   A recent report entitled Shared Prosperity, Stronger Regions, focuses on innovative programs in certain urban centers that have had to deal with a changing economy, loss of residents and resources, and reduced finances.  Through transportation, land use, and housing policies economic and social revitalization can be achieved.  Smart Growth:   While cars may be important,  public transit helps ensure that when people can't or don't want to drive, they can still get where they want, and need to.   We know that transit proximity is key to affordable housing.  Public transportation offers mobility for residents of rural America, particularly people without cars.  Two-thirds of rural Americans - are almost wholly unserved by public transportation.   For the third of Americans in rural areas who do have access to public transportation, public transit systems enable residents to better access economic and community activities such as employment, education/training, health services, social/income maintenance services, shopping, entertainment/ community and friends/relatives. If these transit systems no longer existed, those who use them would either have to find alternative means of transportation or other activities.   Transit agencies across the country reported record ridership increases as more and more people opted for transit over cars. Riders who focused on saving fuel discovered other benefits of taking public transportation, such as avoiding traffic jams and reading or relaxing while traveling. When prices ebbed, many individuals continued to  choose to ride public transit. As gas prices rise, public transportation will continue to provide an important option for the traveling public.   Public transportation is critical to this nation's future. A stronger economy, conservation of energy and resources, reduced congestion, less global warming and improved air quality and health, critical support during emergencies and disasters, increased real estate values and development, mobility for small urban and rural communities, increased access for groups of all ages and circumstances, lower health-care costs-all contribute to a better quality of life.  Increased investment in public transportation is essential if we are to fulfill the needs of all Kansans.