Mass Transit moving forward

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Early this week 25 TEN leaders and members of Transportation for America staff met on capital hill to further common goals and to delve deeper in the discussions on Equity in Transportation with each other and key legislators. This action was very timely and powerful as the T & I committee moves this week on the transportation bill.

We want to keep you up-to-date on what is happening as we discuss the movement on this bill and will follow up with short emails as we learn details of Chairman Oberstar's outline over the next few days.

As things stand right now, Chairman Oberstar will hold a public press conference tomorrow, June 18, at 11am ET to unveil an outline of what to expect in the bill and you can watch a live web cast of the event at http://transportation.house.gov/.

Right now there are three marker bills on transportation. These bills are being discussed and collecting support in the form of cosponsors as we move closer to the debate ahead. Read these bills today and call your legislators and ask them to cosponsor these bills.

HR 2444 - Norton, Workforce Development Funding
HR 2764 - Carnahan, Transit Operating Assistance
HR 2724 - Holt, National Transportation Objectives

In other Washington DC news the Department of Transportation moved another step closer to realizing President Obama’s vision for high-speed rail in America today, publishing guidelines for states and regions to apply for federal funds as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“The time has finally come for the United States to get serious about building a national network of high-speed rail corridors we can all be proud of,” Secretary Ray LaHood said. “High-speed rail can reduce traffic congestion and link up with light rail, subways and buses to make travel more convenient and our communities more livable.”

Driving Equity,