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Transportation
Responsible Transportation Policies
The history of God’s activity in the world is one in which God has reached out to those who suffer injustice and has defended those who are excluded from participation in the life of the community. Participation is a deeply theological concern. Life in community is meant to be shared equally and equitably by all. A community, in which full and fair participation is denied to anyone, is a community living outside God’s intentions for the created order.
When transportation serves as a barrier to employment opportunities or access to the services offered by the community, something is unacceptably wrong and it is imperative that people of faith respond. In developing fair and responsible transportation policies we should endeavor to support systems that both provide equal access for all members of the community, as well as sustain and support the whole creation.
We can and should use both federal and state transportation policy to build and maintain a transportation system that meets both the current and future needs of all. Public officials and the citizenry are co-creators in building a common future. Americans must use our country’s vast abundance to provide opportunity to ALL. Transportation is at the very center of opportunity for jobs, maintaining our health and our connecting communities.
Transportation Values
We must craft transportation policies that reflect the following values: Fairness, Opportunity, Shared Abundance, Creating Community, Hope rather than Fear
Our transportation system must serve all, including those who are unable to drive due to income, disability, age or other reasons.
We believe in:
· Increasing resources for public transportation, especially to address the mobility and access needs of low- and moderate-income and vulnerable populations, · Strengthening public involvement and accountability in the transportation and land use planning process, · Enforcing and strengthening federal civil rights law and environmental justice guidance in transportation planning and project delivery, · Promoting community development and job creation, especially for low-income and minority communities through transportation funds and smart growth strategies.
Every transportation decision we make should be consistent with Gamaliel so that all of our decisions reflect our shared values of community and opportunity for all.
History
On August 10, 2005, the President signed the Safe Accountable Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act-A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), the nation's new $286 billion transportation law. Gamaliel and its project, the Transportation Equity Network (TEN) won several policy changes in the bill including:
VictoriesPittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network (PIIN) of Pittsburgh, PA got Governor Rendell to commit at their 800 person public meeting to take leadership in the campaign in the state legislature to dedicate $649 million for PA mass transit systems. They ultimately won half that amount.
Faith Action for Community Equity (FACE) of Honolulu, HI is engaging in campaign on a $4 billion light rail system and has already found funding for an organizer to coordinate the campaign.
ISAIAH, working in coalition, helped pass a constitutional amendment that will a funnel a portion of the state’s motor vehicle sales tax into funding for transit. The amount will be phased in and grow from $24 million/yr to 120 million/yr. A bill pushed by ISAIAH and its allies, that would have added an additional $165 million to transit funding was vetoed by the Governor.
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