We can’t move upwards if we can’t move at all. Although nearly a third of our district’s workers and families rely on public transit, its inefficiencies force many to take more expensive alternatives they cannot afford.  Transportation costs have ballooned so much that the average American spends 14% of their household income on transportation–which, when added to already excessive housing costs–creates a precarious living situation. Lower-income families, in particular, spend a larger proportion of their monthly income on transportation, which in turn increases economic inequality. Further, transportation policy has far too often perpetuated racism and has benefitted contractors and developers rather than the individuals who need it the most. Our government should require every investment in public transportation infrastructure to be forward-looking and to promote equity for all.

We have all experienced Los Angeles traffic at its worst, and this is a result of decades of shortsighted transportation policy and a lack of investment in public transit options. Many of the problems we face on the local level are a result of poor transportation policy at the federal level. The federal government must shift our nation’s priorities away from cars and highways toward expanded public and active transportation options that will get people where they need to go more efficiently and cheaply.  

While the increased availability of electric vehicles has helped reduce carbon emissions, that is not enough.  Expanding public and active transportation and making it more accessible to all persons will provide the additional benefit of reducing the hazardous environmental effects of our current car-centric society. Adding one more highway lane, another rideshare app, making all existing gasoline-powered cars electric, or slightly faster suburban internet isn’t going to solve the physical and economic mobility problems that come from running our country’s infrastructure well beyond its replacement date.