We need to rebuild, modernize, and expand our nation’s transportation systems in ways that will create high-quality, community-sustaining jobs across numerous industries.
The Challenge
Transportation systems are vital to our country and our economy. We all rely on our transit systems, road infrastructure, walkways, and bike lanes to access jobs, schools, healthcare, retail, and loved ones. Our nation’s road, transit, and rail infrastructure have been in a state of disrepair for decades. We need to rebuild, modernize, and expand these systems in ways that will create high-quality, community-sustaining jobs for construction workers, electricians, manufacturing workers, transit drivers, rail workers, mechanics, engineers, and more.
Updating our transportation networks is also key to reducing emissions. As of 2021, transportation in the United States accounts for nearly a third of national emissions. Reducing emissions from this sector will require a two-pronged approach that 1) urgently spurs the adoption of cleaner vehicles and 2) reduces individual driving through smart investment in clean public transit networks, non-motorized transportation infrastructure, and transit-oriented development.
The Opportunity
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) provides a historic investment of $39 billion in the public transit sector—which will expand and modernize it to meet communities’ needs—as well as the largest federal investment in passenger rail since the creation of Amtrak, and the largest dedicated bridge investment since the creation of the interstate highway system. Additionally, programs such as grants to reconnect communities—like a U.S. Department of Energy pilot program authorized and funded by the BIL—will provide support to remove highways and redesign road and transit networks in neighborhoods previously divided and destroyed by the placement of highway, rail, and port infrastructure.
These transit investments aren’t just essential for improving mobility and tackling pollution; research demonstrates that public transit investment creates jobs and supports regional economic growth. For example, analysis from the BlueGreen Alliance found that the $39 billion in the BIL would result in the creation of 204,750 direct, 131,820 indirect, and 185,250 induced jobs, a total of 521,820 jobs over 10 years.
Key Facts
521,820 jobs over 10 years The $39 billion investment in public transit in the BIL 521,820 jobs over 10 years. (Source)
27% The transportation sector is responsible for 27% of U.S. emissions . (Source)
D- The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) graded the U.S. transit sector at a D– in its 2021 Infrastructure Report Card. (Source)