Transportation is essential for creating true communities of opportunity, with broad-reaching impact on the structure of metropolitan communities, job creation, energy-efficiency, housing stock, and economic opportunity. This is especially true in a time of economic austerity.

Investments in public transit, in particular, do far more than just create construction and technical jobs in the short-term. They forge stronger, more competitive communities linked to regional economic centers, helping low-income communities access the jobs and services they need to succeed.

Transportation equity requires investments that are smart, targeted, and expand opportunity to the most people. Investments in bus lines, trains, road rehabilitation, bike lanes, and even sidewalks all can have a tremendous impact on the opportunities of local residents.

PolicyLink is engaged in a number of national campaigns to influence the next tranportation spending reauthorization bill, due to expire September 2009. Click here to read about these campaigns and for a list of resources.