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r tr <br />2. Transit <br />The revised policy plan (which defines transit as all forms of riding <br />together) makes a significant commitment to reverse the trends of declining <br />transit ridership and auto occupancy. Contributing to this increased <br />transit use will be expanded employer rideshare programs, reverse commute <br />transit to serve suburban employers, circulators within regional business <br />concentrations, increased transit for elderly and disabled people, and <br />upgrading of existing regular-route services, including implementation of <br />light rail transit (LRT). The transit system is shown in Figure 2. <br />The policy plan advocates direct involvement by cities and major employers <br />in transit by creating a physical envirorunent that encourages transit use. <br />Council Policy 5, identifies appropriate transit services within Orono. <br />Orono should work with the Regional Transit Board (RTB) in identifying <br />transit needs and coordinating special transportation and rideshare <br />services. Orono's comprehensive plan should reflect its transit needs <br />and plans. <br />The policy plan for the first time advocates development of light rail <br />transit (LRT) in this region and identifies six priority corridors <br />where LRT could be cost-effective by the year 2010. No corridors in <br />the plan are proposed to directly serve your community, although <br />communities without direct LRT service may still benefit from new or <br />redirected bus service connecting with nearby LRT lines. The County <br />Regional Railroad Authority, which is currently responsible for LRT <br />implementation within the county, has prepared, or will be preparing, <br />a comprehensive LRT plan to further explore LRT potential that may <br />affect your community. It is important that all affected <br />municipalities participate in planning studies related to LRT <br />implementation. The Transportation Development Guide/Policy Plan <br />advocates preserving linear rights-of-way, such as abandoned railroad <br />lines and surplus roadway rights-of-way, for future public use, <br />including LRT. Orono should address these aspects in a comprehensive <br />plan amendment, if appropriate.