As we break into the next decade, it seems fitting to ask
two important questions: What were the three most important transportation
developments of 2009? And what should be the top three transportation policy
priorities of 2010? Here are my thoughts.
Numerous important transportation developments occurred in
2009. Here are a few of the most significant: 1) National commitment by the
Administration and Congress to high-speed rail 2) The American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act 3) The economic crisis and its implications for transit
agencies.
1) National
commitment by the Administration and Congress to high-speed rail.
Upon taking office, President Obama declared his support for
building a national network of high-speed rail systems. This announcement was
wholly welcomed given our countries’ record of long under-investment in
passenger rail. Later, Congress put a historic investment of $8 billion in
stimulus funds towards jump start building high-speed rail across the country.
Congress followed with over $2 billion allocated to high-speed rail in their
2010 budget, further signaling support continued support. After decades of
neglect, high-speed rail is beginning to pull out of the station.
2) The
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The stimulus is significant for two reasons. The sizable
investment in public transportation aided in reducing congestion at airports
and roadways and cutting our dependence on oil, while putting Americans back to
work. The stimulus also demonstrated that spending on public transportation is
more effective at job creation than roadway projects, thereby dispelling the
myth that highways are the only transit project able to create jobs.
3) The
Economic Crisis.
The economic crisis fueled a funding crisis for many transit
agencies, forcing many to swallow the bitter bill of service cuts and fare
hikes. As the recession grew, most agencies saw their revenue stream shrink. As
this trend continues, CALPIRG turns to Congress to reinvent the way they fund
transportation.
So now that 2009 has drawn to a close, what should we watch
in 2010?
1) A Jobs Bill. As Congress crafts a Jobs Bill,
transportation remains part of the solution as an effective way to create jobs.
CALPIRG will push Congress to spend our money wisely on public transportation
which creates twice as money jobs as road projects.
2) Passage of a
long-term transportation bill. Although the timeline for passage of this
budget remains uncertain, Congress is already debating this bill’s content. The
overwhelming majority of this $500 billion budget typically goes towards
highways. In order to meet our countries’ long term needs, Congress will need
to change the way they do business with transportation and double the funding
for public transit.
3) California’s
high-speed rail. President Obama will need a successful high-speed rail
case study to point to as he ushers America
towards a world-class system. California
is poised to be that example, but this will require strong support and
attention from Californians to ensure that we maximize funding from other
sources and keep the project on track.
2009 was an important year by many measures, but we’re not
there yet. As we go into 2010, we need leaders to shift their approach to
transportation. If our leaders are serious about addressing our nation’s
congestion, safety, economic and environmental challenges, they must double
funding for public transportation, fix our infrastructure first, and eliminate
wasteful spending.
