Transportation In The News

President-elect Barack Obama recently proposed a massive federal infrastructure plan that he likens to the New Deal and Eisenhower's historic initiative to create the interstate highway system. At a time when roads and bridges across the country are crumbling and public transportation systems are scrambling to keep up with booming demand, Obama and others are right to recognize the need for investments that will improve our quality of life as well as create jobs. But it is crucially important how infrastructure money gets spent.

Many states would expand highways rather than repair bridges and roads or build rail, bike and pedestrian projects with money from a $750 billion federal economic stimulus plan, according to an analysis released Monday by a Connecticut environmental group.

Lawmakers, transportation, environmental and business groups held a press conference in the Legislative Office Building urging the state should to get the long-planned New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Commuter Rail project rolling quicker than the 2015 launch estimated by the state Department of Transportation.

Advocates of a plan to create direct rail access to Bradley were in Hartford on Tuesday to help fast-track the plan. Versions of the plan differ, but the main goals are to add a second rail line between New Haven and Hartford and create a stop just outside the airport.

Letter to the Editor: Column: Worcester Riding High on Rail

No powerful group or interest lobbies to protect against diverting bridge repair funds to new highways. On the contrary, well-connected developers and road builders lobby aggressively for wider lanes, new branch roads and additional off-ramps. Builders often prefer lucrative contracts to pour concrete and steel for new highways rather than the uncertainty of relatively complex and labor-intensive restoration and repair. Preventive maintenance is scarcely noticed or celebrated by the public, and politicians far too often prefer shiny new roads that they can point to and cut ribbons for.

Connecticut students are on board for bringing a stronger, faster rail system to the state, which will connect them to their hometowns, reduce congestion, oil use, and carbon emissions. While there is much still to be done, the Obama administration's recent decision to award $40 million in high speed rail funds to Connecticut is the first step.

While many students are spending their Spring Breaks in Cancun or Palm Beach or other exotic locations, a dedicated group of ConnPIRG students are using their Spring Break to build support for the High-Speed Rail service between New Haven to Springfield, here in Connecticut.