Welch rides bus, talks to passengers about public transit system

U.S. Rep. Peter Welch (D-Burlington) hopped on the LINK Express bus from Burlington to Montpelier Tuesday afternoon to discuss with passengers about public transit operations in Vermont, The Burlington Free Press is reporting.

The bus services that Welch used Tuesday are becoming more popular among Vermonters who have changed their lifestyle in reaction to increasing gas prices. However, the Chittenden County Transportation Authority and other bus services are experiencing the same rising gas prices as drivers. As a result, service administrators are raising fares and cutting less popular routes.

Welch has sponsored legislation that has passed the House and is pending a vote in the Senate, which would provide states with $1.7 billion over two years to boost public transportation.

"We've got to put more money into it," Welch told the Free Press.

Vermont's lone Congressman told passengers there needs to be a convenient bus schedule that is timely in order for more people to be riding it. The key behind making the bus routes and schedules more enticing is finding a way to pay for it, he said.

Welch is facing a primary challenge from marketing consultant Craig Hill. Independent activist Mike Bethel has also declared his intentions to run for the seat.