Issue Position: Public Transit

Issue Position

For the future of our state, we must invest in world-class public transportation, high-speed and light rail, and safe pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure and encourage the use of fuel-efficient and electric vehicles. Offering more transportation options and emphasizing networks of service will reduce pollution and health risks to our most vulnerable citizens -- our children and seniors. Air pollution from cars and trucks aggravates asthma and other diseases, and as our population ages, we need to have an efficient public-transit system in place for seniors who can no longer drive.

Safe pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure are critical pieces of our transportation system. Efficient public transportation would also reduce transportation costs for Floridians. Studies show that transportation is the second highest expense for families following housing. Low-income families without access to public transit might spend significant portions of their income on transportation. A quality public transportation system decreases these costs.

Both Florida and the nation are at a crossroads. We can continue building 20th-century, oil-dependent transportation, or we can choose to move forward. We must focus on increasing our independence from foreign oil, cut pollution and provide clean, efficient and affordable transportation options.

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