NAPTA Coalition
The National Alliance of Public Transportation Advocates is a national organization representing grassroots transit groups that support increasing investment in public transportation.
NAPTA is the grassroots voice for coalitions and individuals alike. To stay up-to-date on important issues facing public transportation, become a NAPTA member today.
Public Transportation In Action
More U.S. Airports Add Rail Service to Downtown
By Roger Yu,
USA Today
With their roadways jammed with cars and shuttles, a growing number of domestic airports are building or have plans for a rail link that will connect passengers from the terminals to regional metro-rail systems, allowing road warriors and vacationers to ditch their cars.
Direct rail connections to Seattle-Tacoma and Dallas Love Field are expected to open later this year. Other large airports with an approved rail project that will be completed in the next few years include Salt Lake City, Phoenix Sky Harbor, Miami, Dallas/Fort Worth and Oakland.
A New Future for the Bay Area Comes into Focus
By Pete Parkinson
The San Francisco Chronicle
For decades after World War II, gas and energy prices were inexpensive. Cars provided freedom and mobility. The suburbs offered a great place to raise families. The economy grew steadily, albeit with some hiccups here and there.
This vision for growth no longer works. Travel times and costs have increased, water is more expensive and water supplies are dwindling, and our educational and recreational facilities need repair. Our future will depend on infrastructure investments that address these priorities.
Climb aboard High-Speed Rail
By Danny Katz
The Denver Post
In recent weeks, the Obama administration has made a number of exciting announcements about constructing high-speed rail across the country. Imagine being whisked from city to city at 200 mph, avoiding the hassle of airport security lines and delays or being stuck behind the wheel in traffic on Interstate 25.
Transit Authority Feeling the Pain from a Crippled Advertising Market
By William Neuman
The New York Times
The worst advertising market in decades has had a devastating, and well-documented, effect on newspapers, magazines and television networks. But now another recipient of ad dollars is being hurt by the market slump at a time it can little afford it: mass transit.
CONGRESSIONAL ACTIVITY
Climate Change Legislation to be Considered in the House
Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA), Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA) are introducing a new climate change bill that proposes a cap-and-trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent before 2020 and 85 percent by 2050. The current timeline is for the bill to be brought before the committee by mid-May and then to the House floor later that month. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will begin development of a new climate bill as well in the coming months, with Senate floor debate possibly scheduled for this summer.