Time to tip the scales in favor of more transportation options
For decades, federal highway funding and funding for all other types of transportation (like public transit and opportunities to walk and bike) have been severely unbalanced. In order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, pedestrian deaths, and traffic, federal leaders must invest in more transportation alternatives.
Have you ever waited for the bus for 20 minutes or felt too close to a truck while riding a bike to work? It’s because the United States has not invested in other ways to travel that do not require a car. Billions of federal funds have been poured into these highways and infrastructure accommodated solely for cars under the guise of fixing congestion and improving transportation for all. However, for decades these costly roadway expansions have only worsened traffic congestion and destroyed established communities in the process.
The United States is unequivocally tied to the concept of multiple choices and free markets. Many grocery stores in the country have a minimum of 8 different types of salt and vinegar chips. When walking into a car dealership, there are a multitude of colors, types, brands, and price points to choose from. But if you want to visit your friend across town, you are likely much more limited—perhaps you can choose between waiting for a bus that will be fifty minutes late or spending $4,000 a year on a car. If our freedom includes having a variety of products to shop for, it can most certainly include a variety of ways to travel.
Our limitation on travel choices is not just an opportunity issue; it affects our environment and public safety as well. The transportation sector in the United States makes up one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, light-duty vehicles, like personal cars, make up 57 percent of these emissions. Pedestrians are also being impacted by our lack of investment in safer streets. In 2022, the number of people hit and killed while walking reached a 40-year high with 7,522 deaths.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was an unprecedented investment in infrastructure in the United States. Despite this historic investment, our transportation system is still failing millions of Americans. The ratio of investments played no small part in this problem. $432 billion taxpayer dollars went to highways, while only $109 billion went to transit.
As Congress and the next election will dictate the next federal investment in infrastructure, the time to advocate for more transportation options is now. In order to increase transit efficiency, connect more communities to resources, and build safer streets, Congress and the U.S. DOT must invest in the rest.
It’s Invest in the Rest Week
Click below to access more content related to our third principle for infrastructure investment, Invest in the Rest. Find all three of our principles here.
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Four ways our federal leaders can invest in the rest
While we might have the most extensive highway infrastructure in the world, our system is delivering pitifully poor results compared to our peers when it comes to cost, efficiency, emissions, and safety. What can Congress and USDOT do to invest in the rest?
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Week Without Driving showcases the need to invest in the rest
Last week, Transportation for America joined organizations and advocates nationwide in the Week Without Driving challenge. During this week, all Americans, including transportation practitioners and policymakers, are encouraged to travel without a car, allowing them to experience local barriers to walking, biking, and taking public transit firsthand.
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Time to tip the scales in favor of more transportation options
For decades, federal highway funding and funding for all other types of transportation (public transit, opportunities to walk and bike) have been severely unbalanced. In order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, pedestrian deaths, and traffic, the Department of Transportation must invest in more transportation alternatives.