Coalition vows to transform transportation system
A newly formed coalition of regional and state government agencies, along with some private companies, plans to “transform the nation’s transportation system in 2009” through public-private partnerships. Members of the Transportation Transformation Group (T2) plan to educate the public on transportation options, push for a change in federal transportation funding policies and encourage the use of innovative financing techniques.
U.S. House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt and several other T2 members, including Texas Transportation Commissioner Ned Holmes, announced the creation of the coalition at the National Press Club in Washington on June 5. “It’s about time we add a fresh set of ideas to the transportation policy debate,” Gephardt said in a statement. “If we don’t, communities across America will continue to be plagued by increased traffic congestion, deteriorating roads and bridges, safety issues and air pollution.”
There are 20 founding T2 members, including Texas, Florida, Indiana and Utah. More information is available at www.trans2group.com.