Transportation

Current Campaigns

More And Better Transit

Public transportation, such as light rail and rapid bus systems, is the wave of the future. Traffic congestion results in billions of additional hours each year wasted behind the wheel and is one reason that Americans consumed almost 180 billion gallons of motor fuel in 2005. Transit reduces traffic congestion by taking hundreds of cars off the road and plays a critical role in decreasing America’s oil dependence, global warming pollution, and sprawl. Read more.

Stop Bad Toll Road Privatization

Faced with desperate budget deficits, Gov. Crist has proposed a number of privatization deals to build or operate roads. Furthest along among these deals is Alligator Alley that spans between Ft.Lauderdale and Naples. Public officials must ensure that public control is maintained in these deals and that any road privatization lease complies with Florida's PIRG’s 7 principles. Read more.

Overview

Most of us live miles from our daily trips for work, school, or other responsibilities. Unfortunately, our current transportation system has many of us stuck endlessly waiting in traffic, all the while spewing air pollution and consuming billions of barrels of overseas oil. Some drivers are even paying private toll companies for the privilege to use the roads. There has got to be a better way.

Transportation networks need to be built and operated in the public interest. That means helping Americans get around by reducing traffic congestion and increasing alternatives to car travel.

Without big changes, America’s transportation problems will severely worsen as over 60 million people join the population by 2030. Light rail, clean bus systems, and other public transit should play a greater part in America’s transportation future. Efficient public transportation systems reduce the number of cars on the road and increase our options for getting around. As we work to maintain and expand transportation networks, we must also ensure that roadways continue to be operated for the public interest rather than for private profit.

Florida PIRG is working for more and better transit by encouraging public support for new projects and improved service. We are also working to ensure that toll road privatization deals don’t sell out the public by relinquishing public control or selling valuable assets at a discount.

Featured Video

Check out "Traffic," the winning video in our transit video contest.

News

High Speed Rail is on "The Right Track" 12/31/1969

The Obama administration’s recent decision to award $1.25 billion in high speed rail funds to Florida is the first step towards a stronger, faster rail system that will reduce congestion, oil use, and carbon emissions, but there is much still to be done.

Browse recent news releases by issue.

Reports

The Right Track: Building a 21st Century High-Speed Rail System for America 12/31/1969

America’s highways and airports are increasingly congested. Our nation’s transportation system remains dependent on oil. And our existing transportation infrastructure is inadequate to the demands of the 21st century. Now, for the first time, the federal government has invested significant resources toward the development of high-speed rail in the United States, with an $8 billion allocation in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and $2.5 billion more in Congress’ fiscal year 2010 budget.

Economic Stimulus or Simply More Misguided Spending 1/05/2009

This fall, Congress asked states to submit lists of “ready-to-go” transportation infrastructure projects that could be funded by the stimulus package. Lists from nineteen state departments of transportation (DOTs) show that the broader goals articulated by President-elect Obama will be undermined if Congress, the Administration, and the states do not establish forward-looking rules for spending stimulus funds.

More Reports

ISSUES