Asking community leaders to adopt a simple resolution clarifying
their support for the services and benefits provided by public transit
is an easy step you can take today. Transit advocates should ask
any or all of the following groups to adopt a pro-transit resolution:
Have the signed resolution framed, post it on a website or share
it with your local newspaper. Feel free to edit this document, adding
local examples and choosing the sections that best apply to your
situation. If you have questions, please contact CFTE at info@cfte.org.
WHEREAS support for public transportation is
a vital issue for this community and the nation, with more than
14 million Americans using safe, reliable and convenient public
transportation daily; and
WHEREAS studies have shown that transit use
eases congestion, reduces air pollution, saves energy, spurs economic
development and job creation, increases business activity and
real estate values, and improves the quality of life in urban,
suburban and rural communities; and
WHEREAS the economic benefits of transit are
clear--every dollar of public funds invested in transit returns
up to $6 in economic benefits, and every $1 billion in capital
expenditures creates 47,500 new jobs. Americans who use public
transportation in communities with active, growing systems save
$22 billion each year and a week or more of time commuting. In
addition, public transportation is essential for maintaining a
vibrant business community and strong economic climate; and
WHEREAS public transportation enhances equity
in American society by creating jobs, getting people to work and
providing quality transportation access for low-income individuals,
older Americans, disabled citizens and minority communities; and
WHEREAS the growing needs of our public transportation
system are not being met consistently as demonstrated by the billions
of dollars still needed to maintain and improve the nation's transit
systems and the high number of American households that still
have no access to public transportation.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that this organization
recognizes public transportation’s potential to make a difference
in our quality of life and appreciates that public transportation
is helping achieve our community goals in energy, safety, health,
environmental protection and economic prosperity.
THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we will
strive to promote, sustain and support increased use of and investment
in our community’s public transportation system.
