"The federal government really has to take the lead on this one. We have no idea when the next transportation bill will be passed–2011?–but that’s obviously the place to really start to making systematic changes that would benefit our transit networks. In the meantime, a bill has been introduced in the House–by Russ Carnahan (D-MO) and Doris Matsui (D-CA)–give agencies more flexibility in spending their funds, so they can plug short-term holes in a way that doesn’t do long-term harm. At this point, its fate remains uncertain." - Steven Perez from Bookmarklet

Our Governor Pawlenty also slashed funding for mass transit services with the new budget. He's always big on keeping gas taxes extra low for those who drive single occupant autos, though! So what if autos and trucks only pay taxes to cover 1/3 of what it costs to fund road and bridge construction and maintenance? (This without even considering the indirect costs of environmental impacts) So what if a major freeway bridge collapses in the middle of our largest urban area every now and then?! - Mark J Severely Inert