The War on Cars
What's Happening with Federal Transportation Dollars?
Feb 25, 2025
Beth Osborne, the executive director of Transportation for America and former U.S. Department of Transportation official, dives into the shifting landscape of federal transportation funding. She discusses the ramifications of political upheaval on public transit and infrastructure investments, stressing the importance of advocacy in securing funding for local projects. The conversation highlights misconceptions about transit in rural areas and underscores the challenges facing electric vehicle infrastructure development. Osborne equips listeners with advocacy tools to champion effective transportation solutions in their communities.
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Quick takeaways
- Recent federal policy changes threaten funding for public transit and local infrastructure, risking vital services in underserved communities.
- The emphasis on highway expansion over public transit in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act raises serious concerns about environmental impact and urban sprawl.
Deep dives
The Impact of Federal Transportation Policy
Recent shifts in federal transportation policy under the new administration have raised concerns regarding infrastructure funding and its implications for public transit. Funds appropriated by Congress have faced freezes and potential clawbacks, leading to widespread uncertainty about the future of various transportation initiatives. This situation has the potential to destabilize ongoing projects, particularly those in local and rural communities that are often overlooked. The overwhelming sentiment among advocates is that these changes could disproportionately affect areas already struggling with inadequate transportation services.
