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21st Century Transportation Solutions

 

Current Campaign

More And Better Transit

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. Transportation 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.

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. 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 transportation 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.

WISPIRG is working for more and better transportation 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.




Report

WISPIRG Releases New Report: Shows Big Savings of Energy, Time, Money and CO2 from Transit


A new WISPIRG report, A Better Way to Go: Meeting America’s 21st Century Transportation Challenges with Modern Public Transit, examines the challenges faced by America’s transportation system and the benefits of existing rail and bus projects in Wisconsin and other states.

According to the report, public transportation in Madison and Milwaukee is responsible for 1.2 million gallons of oil saved and over $3 million dollars saved that would have otherwise been spent on gas.  With rising gas prices, the report underscored the value and need for lawmakers to invest in transit. Around the country transit saves 3.4 billion gallons of oil each year, prevents 541 million hours of traffic delay and reduces global warming pollution by 26 million tons. Demand for public transportation is booming nationally, with transit trips far outpacing the growth of auto miles or population since 1995. Read More.



 

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