ATM Welcomes National Transportation Commission's Call for Increased Investment in...

ATM Welcomes National Transportation Commission's Call for Increased
Investment in Roads, Bridges and Transit

Study Recognizes Transportation as a National Problem Demanding National
Solutions

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Americans for
Transportation Mobility Coalition embraced recommendations of the National
Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Commission calling for significant
new investment to build, maintain and restore transportation infrastructure in
the United States.

"ATM is gratified that the commission report issued today clearly describes
the daunting problems facing our national transportation system and
unambiguously acknowledges that increased federal investment is the way
forward," ATM Executive Director Janet F. Kavinoky said.

"Nobody on the commission disputed the need for more investment in this
nation's infrastructure. Disagreements on specifics are much less important
than the commission's determination that transportation is a national problem
requiring a national commitment."

The importance of this congressionally-mandated study can't be overstated,
Kavinoky said. The report's conclusions will alter the course of a national
discussion about transportation that will culminate next year with the
reauthorization of SAFETEA-LU, a major transportation bill, she added.

Kavinoky called the timing of the report propitious given the visibility of
public policy issues created by the excitement over the 2008 presidential
campaigns. "Few issues affect people as directly as transportation or have as
great an impact on the economy," she said, yet one-third of the nation's roads
are in poor or mediocre condition, congestion costs drivers $63 billion a
year, and transit investment declines as ridership increases.

"We hope the NSTPRC study will encourage the presidential candidates of both
parties to discuss ways to bolster investment in roads, highways, bridges and
public transit," Kavinoky said. "Ensuring our 21st century transportation
system remains safe, reliable, and efficient is a national priority," Kavinoky
said. "Washington simply can't afford to do nothing. The future is now."

ABOUT US: The Americans for Transportation Mobility (ATM) is a national
coalition working to ensure our nation's transportation infrastructure is
improved to meet current demands and future needs. Launched on June 26, 2001,
ATM represents over 400 major transportation users and providers who are
working together for a safer and more efficient transportation infrastructure
system.

For more information, please visit us at: http://www.a-t-m.org/ or contact:
Janet Kavinoky Director, Transportation Infrastructure U.S. Chamber of
Commerce 202-657-2616 (cell) 202-544-0060 x222 (desk)

SOURCE Americans for Transportation Mobility Coalition

John Moore, +1-202-683-3110, jmoore@qorvis.com, for Americans for
Transportation Mobility Coalition