Several Democratic members of the Georgia Congressional Delegation want to grow public transportation across the state, specifically, they say, as a means of “connecting affordable housing with transit networks in order to serve riders and commuters in low-income communities.” Recently, Congresswoman Carolyn Bourdeaux (D-GA-07) joined several of her colleagues in introducing the Public Transportation Expansion Act.
She was joined by Congressman Hank Johnson (D-GA-04) and Congresswoman Nikema Williams (D-GA-05).
“Inadequate public transportation hurts communities and hurts our economy,” said Bourdeaux. “As our cities grow and congestion increases, it is more critical than ever to have public transportation alternatives that work for everyone. Strengthening our economy, addressing climate change, and future fitting our communities depend on making historic investments like this in our nation’s transit infrastructure.”
According to officials, the Public Transportation Expansion Act would create a federal grant program to fund public transportation expansion, serving low-income communities and connecting affordable housing with transit networks. The bill would also allow large transit operators to use federal funds for operating expenses for the first time in decades, Bourdeaux says.
Bourdeaux has been pushing public transportation projects since taking office — specifically through her FutureFit the Suburbs agenda. Bordeaux unveiled her FutureFit agenda this past May, stating that it focuses “on the infrastructure needs of inner and outer suburbs” and includes an initiative on abandoned mall upcycling.
Georgia’s two U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) are pushing similar legislation in the Senate.
“I am championing historic transit investments in the reconciliation bill because mobility is essential for opportunity, health, and quality of life — especially in communities that have been historically neglected,” said Sen. Ossoff. “This legislation will build public transportation to serve residents in Georgia’s low-income neighborhoods, connecting affordable housing with health care, education, and employment centers while protecting our environment by reducing air pollution.”
Two other sponsors on the bill are Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) and Senator Catherine Cortzen Masto (D-NV).
