Overview
President Obama has a new vision for our transportation system—one that would help expand public transportation options and bring new high-speed rail to Wisconsin. With high-speed rail connecting our cities, Wisconsinites could travel to Chicago or Minneapolis without the hassle of driving, and in less total time than it takes to fly. And by expanding other transportation options—like commuter rail and bus service—we could reduce traffic and air pollution, and begin to break free from oil dependence. In 2006, transit saved an estimated 3.4 billion gallons of gasoline in the US, and in Wisconsin alone, consumers, by taking transit, saved over $3 million dollars that they otherwise would have spent on gasoline. And that was before gas was $4/gallon!
Public transit projects would also create thousands of new jobs that Wisconsin needs right now. For every $1 billion invested in transit capital projects, 30,000 jobs are created, and 60,000 jobs for every $1 billion invested in transit operations. Enacting the President’s vision will help us both to meet the challenges of the 21st century and to rebuild our economy.
That's why WISPIRG is working to make sure that the federal transportation bill, which Congress takes up this year, doubles support for public transportation—such as light rail, commuter rail and modern bus systems—and helps to lay the groundwork for high-speed rail in Wisconsin and across the country.
Getting there means overcoming the influence of Big Oil and the road-building lobby. In the coming months, they'll be fighting in Congress to make sure our tax dollars continue to be spent building more and more highways. Thousands of people are joining our call for action, but we need all the support we can get to convince our congressional delegation to support a 21st Century Transportation system for Wisconsin.
