1. Dramatic reduction in highway funding and dramatic expansion of public transit funding.
   80 percent for public transit, 20 percent for highway maintenance, no new highway construction (the present formula is 80% for highways, 20% for public transportation.)
   Continuing federal support for a private auto system is a global warming disaster and will dramatically expand greenhouse gas emissions. Our plan will lead to dramatic greenhouse gas reductions.
2. Federal requirement for dramatic restriction in auto use in all metro centers, states and federally funded projects;
   Establish auto free zones, increase public transit, bicycles and pedestrian traffic, auto free rush hours, bus only lanes on surface streets and freeways, auto free days, with ensured viable transportation for disabled and rural areas.
3. Dedicate a minimum of 50 percent of the entire Act's allocation for transit to operating purposes, with at least half of that restricted to bus operations.
   This will stop the massive fare increases and service cuts and allow for more bus and rail service on existing lines, dramatic fare reductions, free transfers, 24/7 transit service with a block grant to cities and rural areas to reduce all transit fares by 50 percent.
4. Prioritize capital preservation over expansion, with at least half of all capital funds
   restricted to bus fleets. 
   Bus is the most cost effective way to move people in larger urban and rural areas and has historically been short-changed as powerful rail lobbyists get the lion's share of federal funds. This contributes to the deterioration and bankrupting of bus systems, which often are the centerpiece of the transportation system. The first use of bus and rail capital would be for system preservation and modernization. In terms of expansion, the focus should be on bus expansion. New clean fuel buses can be put on existing streets and freeways in a year and thus bus expansion requires very little construction costs. Rail costs $150 million a mile for above ground construction and $350 million mile for subway expansion and that is before rail cars are purchased and funds are found to operate the new rail lines. This focus on bus capital protection would focus on system preservation and create a fair division of transportation dollars between bus and rail.
5. Establish a Title 6 provision that would prohibit racial discrimination in any federally funded transit projects.
   This provision would allow private parties, that is, civil rights and community groups to bring discrimination complaints against any federally funded projects based on "disparate impacts." We also support a new civil rights bill that would strengthen civil rights protections for all federal, state, and local programs.
6. Mandate on dramatic reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollution for all federally funded projects.
   Each project must be able to demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and air toxic emissions before they are funded. Complaints must be allowed to FTA and EPA with the power to stop the projects.

If you agree with this platform, join us.