Metro plan a $1.1B engine.(bus system)

New system could cut accidents, pollution

An expanded Metro bus system would be worth $1.1 billion to the Tri-State, roughly $619 million more than it would cost to build and operate the new system, according to a new study obtained by the Courier.

The $1.1 billion economic boost would come from reduced pollution, fewer auto accidents, increased mobility for poor people and time savings tied to reduced traffic congestion, according to the study funded by Metro and conducted by Canadian consulting firm HLB Decision Economics Inc.

"I'm very pleased to see that what we're planning does in fact create good returns for the community," said Metro General Manager Paul Jablonski.

The study also said the proposed bus expansion would boost the region's rate of return on its planned investment in light rail. The expanded bus …