Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Streetsblog.net

Call to Action: Win Back Stimulus Funding for Transit Service

There's a sense of urgency on the Streetsblog Network this morning. Transportation for America, using media reports of projected cuts to transit services across the country, has put together a map that dramatizes just how painful those cuts could be:

cuts_map.jpg

The far-reaching and broad cuts will directly affect transit employees and riders who are among the most vulnerable in this time of economic upheaval. More than 20 million trips are taken each day on these 38 systems, and the scores of low-income citizens and 1/3 of Americans who are unable to or choose not to drive could find themselves out in thecold.

Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR) has spoken out about the way transit got squeezed as the stimulus package was put together, and he's set to introduce an amendment to the recovery bill that would direct at least $2 billion to transit
operating costs, preventing at least some of the potential layoffs John Kaehny wrote about here on Streetsblog last week. In order for the amendment to be considered, though, it has to be brought to the floor of the House. Here's what T4A has to say:

The only thing preventing his amendment from reaching the floor for a vote is the House Rules Committee, which will determine this Tuesday by 3:30 p.m. which amendments to include with the House recovery package. So we’re asking all of you to weigh in with Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY), the Chair of the House Rules Committee, through a quick phone call before Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.

Click here for information on how to call and what to say.

Also on the network today: Greater Greater Washington delves into DeFazio's criticism of Obama economic adviser Larry Summers, Kaid Benfield on NRDC Switchboard discusses how "transit without land use change will not take us where we need to go," and WashCycle wonders if an Idaho stop for bicyclists could work in DC.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Friday’s Headlines Turn Back the Clock

The Trump administration is undoing decades of progress on transportation emissions and safety — progress that many would argue was too modest to begin with.

March 14, 2025

Friday Video: Welcome to the War on ‘Woke’ Transportation

Overwhelmed by weeks of federal attacks on green and equitable transportation? Catch up with this explainer and plug in to the fight.

March 14, 2025

Talking Headways Podcast: The Annual Yonah Freemark Show, Part II

Yonah Freemark of the Urban Institute is back again for Part II of his annual "Talking Headways" discussion.

March 13, 2025

Commentary: Nitpicks Aside, Ezra Klein is Spot-On About the Importance of High-Speed Rail

A few additional reflections and critiques specific to California's beleaguered high-speed rail project.

March 13, 2025

What if the ‘Tesla Takedown’ Is Only the Beginning?

Tesla's cars have become symbols of Elon Musk's controversial role in U.S. politics — but they're also instruments of a violent system that long predates his time in the White House.

March 13, 2025
See all posts