Can smarter transportation investments play a part in bringing about an economic recovery? Join us as we discuss the connections between transportation and economic opportunity tomorrow, Friday, April 29 from 1-3 p.m. EDT. Speakers will explore how the transportation sector drives the economy and creates employment opportunities for American workers. Topics will include the transportation sector’s ability to create good jobs and sustain global growth, and the use of transportation as a driver of neighborhood revitalization.

Download our fact sheet on freight (.PDF) The safe and efficient movement of goods across the United States is an absolutely critical aspect of our national economy. While discussions about building a modern transportation network often focus on the need to provide people with better options, an equally important ingredient for broad-based reform is the [...]

With the ripple effects of our economic downturn putting state departments of transportation and local transit agencies in serious financial trouble, our federal government needs to make a firm commitment to investing in our crumbling infrastructure and providing Americans with affordable, efficient transportation options. In an excellent article in this week’s New York Times, writer [...]

Sarah Karush of the Associated Press examined Transportation for America’s plan to rebuild our economy with smart investment in infrastructure, and found support from Virginia Governor Tim Kaine, Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, and former Maryland Governor Parris Glendening. The entire article is printed below.

Prominent economist Robert Reich argues that with all signs pointing to the economic recession getting worse, now is an important time for government to invest in education, health care, and infrastructure. (New York Times)

Through a provision in the $700 billion bailout package, people who commute to work on two wheels will become eligable to receive a $20 tax-free reimbursement each month. (San Francisco Chronicle — Rachel Gordon)

With the financial crisis and $700 billion bailout package dominating conversation in Washington and on the campaign travel, political candidates are avoiding a central economic issue — the need to reinvest in our crumbling infrastructure. (Congressional Quarterly — Colby Itkowitz)

Wild stock market swings put oil prices all over the map on Monday, with light, sweet crude rising by $25 — the largest increase ever in a single day — before dropping to $107 a barrel on Tuesday morning. (New York Times — Matthew Saltmarsh)