The Commission Report which follows does not purport to give any final solution to the complex problems inherent in developing adequate metropolitan, mass transportation. We submit our Report to provide information on the scope of the problems involved and to propose steps to. begin meeting the need for mass transportation.

A wealth of background material has been gathered for the Commission by its most. competent staff. The Staff Report will be forwarded to you separately. It shows in some detail the status of the transit business in Virginia today which can be summarized as marginal and in need of definite improvement and assistance. Lack of funds for capital improvement, declining ridership and increasing fares create an unhealthy transit picture.

Our primary recommendation for action at this time is to continue this study on an expanded basis with adequate financing and staffing to execute a complete study and examine in depth the potential solutions to urban transportation needs which this Report can only put forward for further analysis.

In addition we suggest the freeing of a limited amount of highway funds to initiate a program of transit-related highway construction for such projects as fringe parking facilities and exclusive bus lanes. These are construction projects which will permit the State to assist traμsit and simultaneously benefit highway travel by relieving motor vehicle congestion on our roads.

The report which follows is submitted by the entire Commission and I commend it to you.

Respectfully submitted,

John R. Sears, Jr.
Chairman