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:
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
To Help Save the Planet, Take the ‘Week Without Driving’ Challenge
Former Sierra Club President Ramón Cruz is urging Americans to give up driving for seven days — and support policies to make it optional for everyone.
Labor Gains: NYC Judge Tosses App Giants’ Suit to Stop Deliverista Minimum Wage
Justice Nicholas Moyne cleared the way for a long-delayed wage hike for workers who brave dangerous roads to bring food directly to New Yorkers.
Friday’s Headlines Are Charged Up
Expect a lot fewer ordinary gas stations and a few more Buc-ee's in your area as the electric vehicle transition continues.
Commentary: Let’s Talk About the Real “Fatal Flaw” on Valencia
How many people have to die before professional advocates stop endorsing the Valencia Street "experiment" on people?
Talking Headways Podcast: Beyond Greenways
This week we’re joined by Bob Searns to talk about his new book and grand ideas for walking trails that circle whole regions and more local routes that make up a new mode of green infrastructure in cities.
