Public Transportation
Improving Amtrak Services:
In January 2006, I held a hearing at which the state transportation officials, Amtrak, the Transportation Union, and the Delaware Valley Association of Railroad Passengers, a citizen's advocacy group to which I belong testified. I am concerned that Amtrak's recent sharp increase of fares between Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and New York will have a serious adverse economic impact on Philadelphia. I hope that my hearing is the beginning of a dialogue between these groups and citizens on improving inter-city transit.
Funding for Intra-city Mass Transit:
I am presently working for a dedicated source for mass transit that will keep fares under control and yet provide the kind of daily service that both the city and suburbs need to remain economically viable and ameliorate air and noise pollution. For more information, see economic development section.