PROPOSAL
FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A
TRANSPORTATION
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT FOR AMERICA
It is proposed that the United States launch a major long-term effort to improve the quality of public transportation throughout the country. This effort would be comparable in scale to the Marshall Plan, the establishment of Medicare, and the effort to send a man to the moon and back.
Presented below is a preliminary proposal of what might comprise the goals of the Transportation Improvement Project; some potential specific components of the Project; some prospective revenue sources to be considered; and an illustrative list of steps that might be taken to bring about the establishment of the Transportation Improvement Project.
A. Goals of the
Transportation Improvement Project:
1. Reduce traffic congestion on our nations highways.
2. Reduce the consumption of oil.
3. Reduce air pollution and production of greenhouse gases.
4. Improve public transportation within our urban areas.
5. Improve train and bus service between cities.
6. Improve public transportation to smaller cities and towns.
7. Improve the transit linkage between airports, railroad stations, and bus depots.
8. Improve the safety and convenience for walkers and bicyclists.
B. Components of
the Transportation Improvement Project:
1. Provide funding to enhance Amtrak passenger rail service.
2. Provide funding to enhance intra-city bus and rail public transportation.
3. Provide funding to enhance inter-city bus transportation.
4. Provide planning to coordinate all modes of transportation.
5. Provide funding for needed highway improvements.
6. Launch an advertising & public relations campaign to encourage the use of public transportation.
7. Provide funding for walking and bicycle trails.
C. Sources of
Funding for Implementing the Transportation Improvement Project:
1. Convert the Highway Trust Fund to a Transportation Trust Fund.
2. Impose an environmental pollution tax with proceeds dedicated to the Transportation Trust Fund.
3. Reduce military spending, reallocating funds to the Transportation Trust Fund.
4. Impose a fee on oil & coal extraction or import.
5. Restore the estate & gift tax.
6. Assess oil, tire, and automobile corporations a fine for their destruction of public transit systems.
D. Steps to
Bring About the Establishment of the Transportation Improvement Project:
1. Organize a grass-roots effort to support the proposal.
2. Identify individuals who can make a contribution to the project.
3. Establish ongoing Workgroups and Studygroups for specific tasks and research.
4. Establish a Plan Preparation Team to draft the initial Transportation Improvement Plan.
5. Secure endorsements from organizations and associations.
6. Approve a Transportation Improvement Plan and draft enabling legislation.
7. Secure congressional support for the Transportation Improvement Project.
8. Secure presidential support for and signing of the legislation.
9. Monitor the implementation of the Transportation Improvement Project.