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.
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
Current Campaigns
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.
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.
