New Haven Mayor Toni Harp and city transportation officials have announced the next phase of GoNewHavenGo, an initiative to encourage Elm City residents to use alternative forms of transportation.
New Haven Mayor Toni Harp said the goal of GoNewHavenGo is four-fold. "It will lower the cost of parking your car and using public transit, it will improve bus stops in our community," said Harp. "It will encourage people to walk, bicycle, take the bus or train to work. Ultimately, it will make our environment cleaner and safer."
At Monday's press conference, Mayor Harp introduced three new programs: a pre-tax benefit for city employees to pay for transit to and from work; an employer toolkit for employees interested in taking the bus or carpooling; and the declaration of September as alternative transportation month.
"We're going to have a contest for employers to see who can reduce car use the most, and we are going to try and work with local businesses to have events and discounts for those who ride their bicycle, walk or take the bus to work," said Harp.
.@MayorHarp - efficient transportation system is a right for all New Haven residents pic.twitter.com/6WQmxFQq4C
— goNewHavengo (@goNHgo) July 6, 2015
GoNewHavenGo was created last year by the New Haven/Leon Sister City Project to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution in New Haven.
Mayor Harp said the next phase of the project is a plan to re-route the city's bus system. A report last year by the New Haven NAACP found lack of transportation access was the number one barrier to finding and keeping a job.
