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Transportation Solutions

 

What's New

Over 100 Groups Support More Public, Clean Transportation

On June 2 and again on June 11, over 100 major progressive and conservative national, state, and local organizations sent letters to members of the House and Senate to say they support an increased commitment to public transit, reduced per capita vehicle miles and other forward-thinking transportation goals.

One hundred and forty three organizations joined forces to support the National Transportation Objectives Act of 2009 (H. 2724) in a letter delivered on June 11. Click here to download the letter.

A week earlier, 102 groups joined together to support the Federal Surface Transportation Policy and Planning Act of 2009 (S. 1036) which establishes overarching goals for the federal surface transportation program. Click here to download the letter.


Public Officials Support 21st Century Principles

 Over 100 public leaders from around the country are lending their voice for 21st century transportation by signing a concise set of basic reform principles.

The principals call for new federal transportation policy that:

• expands efficient transportation choices for Americans,

• fixes our crumbling roads and bridges, and,

• spends taxpayers’ money more wisely.

For the full text of these principles, click here.

Click here to see who has signed on to our principles.

Join the movement!

If you are a public official, click here.

Otherwise, click here.

 

 

HR2724-letter-FINAL.pdf HR2724-letter-FINAL.pdf

Current Campaigns

More And Better Transit

Public transportation, such as light rail and rapid bus systems, is the wave of the future. Traffic congestion results in billions of additional hours each year wasted behind the wheel and is one reason that Americans consumed almost 180 billion gallons of motor fuel in 2005. Transit reduces traffic congestion by taking hundreds of cars off the road and plays a critical role in decreasing America’s oil dependence, global warming pollution, and sprawl. Read more.

Stop Bad Road Privatization

America’s roadways must be operated for the long-term public interest. Elected officials in Indiana and Chicago recently sold off public roads to private toll-road companies. The private investors in these deals are expected to reap enormous profits from the rising tolls that they will collect for themselves over coming generations, while the public will lose the long-term toll revenues and its control over transportation planning. As states consider these privatization deals, U.S. PIRG is pressing for public officials to protect the public interest. Read more.



Overview

Most of us live miles from our daily trips for work, school, or other responsibilities. Unfortunately, our current transportation system has many of us stuck endlessly waiting in traffic, all the while spewing air pollution and consuming billions of barrels of overseas oil. Some drivers are even paying private toll companies for the privilege to use the roads. There has got to be a better way.

Transportation networks need to be built and operated in the public interest. That means helping Americans get around by reducing traffic congestion and increasing alternatives to car travel.

Without big changes, America’s transportation problems will severely worsen as over 60 million people join the population by 2030. Light rail, clean bus systems, and other public transit should play a greater part in America’s transportation future. Efficient public transportation systems reduce the number of cars on the road and increase our options for getting around. As we work to maintain and expand transportation networks, we must also ensure that roadways continue to be operated for the public interest rather than for private profit.

U.S. PIRG is working for more and better transit by encouraging public support for new projects and improved service. We are also working to ensure that toll road privatization deals don’t sell out the public by relinquishing public control or selling valuable assets at a discount.



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U.S. PIRG is pursuing three basic principles for improving the nation’s transportation system.

Resources

Surface Transportation Program (STP) as Authorized by SAFETEA-LU U.S. PIRG/Smart Growth America Fact Sheet Setting the Record Straight about Stimulus Transportation Spending (3/27/2009)

Hartford Business Journal Op-Ed "Rethinking Transportation" by ConnPIRG Associate Ilicia Balabon (10/27/2008)

US PIRG’s Letter to Speaker Pelosi Urging Economic Recovery through Transit Investment and Infrastructure Repair
(10/23/2008)

US PIRG Supports Senator Kerry’s High Speed Rail Initiative (9/29/2008)


US PIRG and T4America Urge Senate to Stimulate Economy through Intelligent Transportation Investment (9/29/2008)

U.S. PIRG Staff Attorney John Krieger's Testimony Before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works
(September 10,2008)

Times Herald-Record Article on Road Privatization quoting Senior Analyst Phineas Baxandall
(August 3, 2008)

Atlanta Journal-Constitution Op-Ed by Phineas Baxandall on toll roads privatization (August 3, 2008)

Georgia PIRG Op-Ed in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: "Tragic anniversary: Maintenance, repair of nation's spans remains largely an afterthought" (August 1, 2008) 

U.S. PIRG send letter to house urging inspection and repair of bridges (July 17, 2008)

National Advocacy Groups and Transportation Stakeholders Urge Speaker Pelosi to Bring Energy Saving Legislation to the Floor (June 24, 2008) 

U.S. PIRG's 21st Century Transportation Principles  (March 6, 2008)

 

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