Strong Message Sent to Boxer and LaHood About What the Next Federal Transportation Bill Must Fund

TransForm and 'Transportation For America' Allies Demand More Funding for Public Transportation

Senator Boxer Asks for a Show of Hands on Whether Transit Funding Should Be Increased and is Surprised by the Overwhelming Response - YES!

What would you ask Senator Barbara Boxer and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood if you had the chance?

On February 19, 2010, several of TransForm’s allies in the Transportation For America campaign were able to get the microphone at the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Reauthorization Outreach Tour in Los Angeles. Advocates from around the state gathered at the headquarters of LA Metro to call for a new direction in transportation policy that will get California moving again.

The day began with a press conference including representatives from business, labor, environmental, and health organizations, united in their message: we need more transit, bicycle, and pedestrian funding, and we need it now! Streetsblog LA noted the diversity of the coalition, calling it “a major moment in local transportation history."

Inside, approximately 300 stakeholders listened to remarks by Senator Boxer before the “Town Hall” session began.  After the Senator twice referred to upcoming transportation legislation as “the Highway Bill,” Erin Steva of CALPIRG asked the million-dollar question: What will the Senator do to increase transit funding from 20% to 40% in the next transportation bill?

“Well, that’s quite a lot,” the Senator responded, and asked for a show of hands how many in the room believed that more transportation money should go to transit.  Overwhelmingly, attendees indicated they want more money for transit – a response that seemed to surprise Senator Boxer.

It’s clear we have a lot of work to do.  But the upshot is that transportation advocates in California are building a strong and diverse coalition to help win a transformative transportation bill, and TransForm is leading the way!  Find out more about the Transportation For America.

Help educate our leaders about transportation solutions that will: improve transportation efficiency and affordability; reduce oil dependence and greenhouse gas emission; strengthen our economy; and make our lives better.

Take action now:

Tell Senator Boxer you support more funding for transit in the federal jobs bill.