Take Action for Better Transit Alternatives!

Dear [Senator],

The era of cheap oil and cheap transportation is over. I hope you will join other Senators to take action to expand travel choices for all Americans at a time when gas prices are over $4 per gallon.

The best way out of America's expensive transportation trap is to promote smarter policies to fix our broken and inefficient transportation system. The problems of oil dependence won't be addressed by opening up new areas off America's beaches for oil drilling. While speculators may play some near-term role, prices are likely to stay high in the long-term as long as global oil demand remains strong.

In June, the House passed H.R. 6052, the "Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act," by a vote of 322 to 98. This bill would authorize emergency grants to mass transit authorities to expand services. While Americans are riding transit in record numbers, many transit agencies are cutting services due to rising fuel costs and declining funding.

When it returns from its August recess, the Senate needs to take action on comparable funding measures to ensure urgent improvement in public transportation, ridesharing, walking, cycling, and other travel options so Americans have travel choices at a time of $4 per gallon gas. The Senate should also advance proposals in its energy bill that would boost the energy efficiency of transit systems, cutting operating costs and helping curb dependence on foreign oil. Such measures should be included in any emergency supplemental appropriations measure.

Please support prompt Senate action on this matter.

Thank you for your support.