Transportation Solutions for Texas

Forging Consensus for Transportation Reform

Public leaders from around the country are lending their voice for 21st century transportation by signing a concise set of basic reform principles. It calls for new federal transportation policy that: expands efficient transportation choices for Americans, fixes our crumbling roads and bridges, and spends taxpayers’ money more wisely.

For the full text of these principles, read more.

Over 100 local, state and federal public officials and civic leaders have signed on so far. Click here to see who has signed on to our principles.

Current Campaigns

Stop Bad Road Privatization

America's roadways must be operated for the long-term public interest. In 2002, Governor Rick Perry announced his plans for a 4,000-mile swath of highway, rail and utility lines referred to as the Trans Texas Corridor (TTC). The private investor in this deal is expected to reap enormous profits from the rising tolls that they will collect for themselves over coming generations, while the public will lose the long-term toll revenues and control over transportation planning. As states consider these privatization deals, TexPIRG is pressing for public officials to protect the public interest. Read more.

More And Better Public Transportation

Transportation is the main reason for our dependence on oil and makes up a huge portion of our global warming pollution; a lack of alternative options for transportation has also led to worsening traffic. Unfortunately, the government has spent nine times more on highway subsidies than on transit since 1956. Read more.

Put Texas On Tracks

Long commutes. Congested highways. Urban sprawl. Air pollution. Faced with problems like these, expanding passenger rail systems in Texas would seem to be an obvious solution. But policymakers have yet to make passenger rail a high priority. Read more.

Overview

Most of us live miles from our daily trips for work, school, or other responsibilities. Unfortunately, our current transportation system has many of us stuck endlessly waiting in traffic, all the while spewing air pollution and consuming billions of barrels of overseas oil. Some drivers are even paying private toll companies for the privilege to use the roads. There has got to be a better way.

Transportation networks need to be built and operated in the public interest. That means helping Americans get around by reducing traffic congestion and increasing alternatives to car travel.

Without big changes, America’s transportation problems will severely worsen as over 60 million people join the population by 2030. Light rail, clean bus systems, and other public transit should play a greater part in America’s transportation future. Efficient public transportation systems reduce the number of cars on the road and increase our options for getting around. As we work to maintain and expand transportation networks, we must also ensure that roadways continue to be operated for the public interest rather than for private profit.

TexPIRG is working for more and better transit by encouraging public support for new projects and improved service. We are also working to ensure that toll road privatization deals don’t sell out the public by relinquishing public control or selling valuable assets at a discount.

Public transportation can reduce traffic and air pollution, and save Texans money. One train can replace hundreds of drivers and one bus can replace dozens of cars.

ISSUES