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Support Public Transit
Protect Your Job and Strengthen Your Union - Fight Back Against High Gas Prices
The high cost of fuel has been a double-edged sword for the transit industry. While ridership has surged, transit agencies, which are running at capacity, are also being squeezed by the increased cost of diesel fuel.
With a massive number of commuters switching from driving to transit as the price of gasoline climbs towards five dollars per gallon, and perhaps beyond, transit service should be expanding and ATU membership should be growing in size as a result.
However, the opposite is happening. Due to the increased price of diesel fuel, layoffs and service cuts are occurring at transit systems throughout the United States. ATU members can help turn this situation around by urging their U.S. Senators to pass legislation that would provide fuel subsidies to transit agencies.
We must act fast! The Senate will only be in session for a limited number of days between now and the end of the year.
| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Subject: Support Public Transportation
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
As your constituent and a member of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), I am writing to urge you to support passage of S. 3380, the "Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act of 2008."
This bill would provide the resources to help my transit system cope with the huge influx of new riders that we have seen since gas prices started skyrocketing.
Ironically, while high gas prices are encouraging more people to ride transit, rising diesel prices are also causing public transit systems nationwide to raise fares, cut service, lay off staff, and delay capital spending. Like other consumers, the transit agencies are also paying more for fuel - 44% more this year than last. Therefore, at a time when demand for buses and trains is at one of its highest points in history, we have agencies cutting back service. Transit needs to be part of the solution - not the victim - of high gas prices.
Between the price of fuel, food, and health care, working families are getting squeezed like never before. People are looking to transit for relief. The last thing they need are fare increases and service cuts to make their lives more difficult. Please support and work for passage of the Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act of 2008.
Sincerely,
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Campaign Launched:
July 02, 2008
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The average price of regular gasoline in the United States has reached approximately four dollars per gallon, nearly double what it was just three years ago. The days of cheap gas are over, and people are looking for ways to reduce their transportation costs. There is no better way to do that than by riding public transportation, and Americans are responding in record numbers as bus, light rail, subway, and commuter rail ridership continues to rise. Americans took 2.6 billion trips on public transportation in the first three months of 2008, nearly 85 million more trips than last year for the same time period.
However, the increase in transit ridership is putting a huge strain on transit agencies. Despite running at or near capacity, the increase in diesel fuel costs has caused most systems to raise fares and consider cuts in service. When combined with the increased cost of health care and other insurance, many systems have scant resources for operations.
If Americans used public transportation for roughly 10% of their daily travel needs, the U.S. would reduce its dependence on imported oil by more than 40%, or nearly the amount of oil the U.S. imports from Saudi Arabia each year, according to a recent study. In fact, increased use of public transportation is the single most effective way to reduce America's energy consumption.
The "Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act of 2008," would provide $1.7 billion to transit agencies through a formula nationwide. As introduced, the bill limited eligibility to transit systems that lowered fares or increased service levels. However, in response to ATU’s request, the U.S. House of Representatives amended the bill (H.R. 6052) to include language that opens up eligibility to all transit systems for the purpose of paying for fuel. The bill passed the House on June 26, 2008 by a vote of 322-98.
On July 31, Hillary Clinton introduced the bill (S. 3380) in the U.S. Senate. The purpose of this campaign is to urge the Senate to pass the bill.
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