It’s a bit of a pittance in the grand scheme of transportation funding, but the political tide really does seem to be shifting:
On Monday, a spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D., Nev.) said a measure that would provide as much as $2 billion in grants and other funding for public transportation appears likely to be included in energy legislation that could be voted on next week…
The legislative push comes as high gas prices are spurring Americans to drive less and use public transportation more…
The increased demand is straining many transit agencies, which are already coping with higher prices for fuel, steel and other commodities.
An encouraging sign, to be sure, that public transportation is finally gaining a greater appreciation from both commuters and lawmakers. Another decade or so of sustained interest (i.e. panic over high gas prices) and we might just be on our way to some first class travel options in this country.
