Transportation Options
Our Transportation Vision
1000 Friends’ envisions a transportation network for Wisconsin that is affordable, reliable, and balanced . One which will benefit the economic health of communities, preserve and promote environmental quality and social equity, as well as provide mobility for all of Wisconsin’s residents. In order to make this happen we need to transition from our current transportation system and anticipate new infrastructure development as well as public policies.
Transportation is essential for building connected communities that are vibrant, diverse and economically sustainable. For years, America has relied on the car to work, shop and play – however recent data shows that things are changing. Young people today are driving less and want to live in downtown urban areas where they are able to walk, bike and use public transit– but current transportation policy in Wisconsin is heavily roadway focused with over 60% of the annual budget being spent on the expansion, maintenance and repair of highways.
Wisconsin’s share of public transit investment is amongst the lowest in America. 1000 Friends is working to bring equity to the transportation system through policy and grassroots initiatives.
We envision a truly multi-modal transportation system in the state of Wisconsin which allows citizens to travel in the Midwest economically and in an environmentally sustainable manner.
Some of the areas of our involvement are:
- Highway reform – we communicate the need for and benefits of increased transparency and accountability in highway planning and construction.
- Transportation funding reform – We are working to bring equity to the transportation budget through supporting the reallocation of highway expansion funds to local roads, transit, bike and pedestrian initiatives.
- Travel Demand Management – we work with employers and public transit agencies to co-ordinate strategies which reduce the use of cars and prevent roadway congestion.
- Public Transit Initiatives – we work with public transit agencies and riders associations across the state to lobby for increased transit funding and connectivity across the state.
