The department will also consider whether the transit districts should be operated by the state or another body.

The transit district plans an 8.7 mile extension that could be ready in 1999.

She said the town's support of the transit district was evident recently when two positions opened on the agency's board, and 10 residents applied.

Unlike a precinct, the transit districts cover miles of underground subway.

A transit district is created to give it the power of the government in dealing with solving problems related to transit issues.

A measure that would have created a transit district was on the November 2004 ballot, but was defeated 53 to 41 percent.

In some cases, the transit district may be part of a larger organization such as a state Department of Transportation.

Good service, comfortable trains and stations and improvements should be the order of the day for a successful transit district.

As a result, even in a year when many municipalities are cutting budgets, Westport's $200,000 support of the transit district's $1.1 million budget seems secure.

"We've agreed to disagree," said William Finch, executive director of the transit district.