Gore Unveils $25 Billion Public Transport Plan
Copyright 1999 Reuters
June 29, 2000
CHIGAGO (Reuters) - Democratic presidential candidate Al Gore Thursday proposed a $25 billion plan to modernize and expand public transportation systems, as the final plank of a nearly $150 billion, 10-year energy and environment campaign program.
The plan would provide financial aid to convert bus fleets to clean-burning fuels, grants to expand light-rail, subway and other transport systems, and money to upgrade existing municipal systems.
It also would promote development of inter-city high-speed rail links in major travel corridors and to improve existing passenger rail routes.
Gore was to unveil the plan in a campaign speech.
He also was expected to expand on his call for public hearings by the Federal Trade Commission into this year's rise in gasoline prices, which has hit hard especially in Midwestern cities including Chicago.
"You deserve the independence to get in your car and drive anywhere you want to go, on your own schedule, without emptying your wallet at every filling station," Gore said in prepared remarks.
"You should also have the choice to park your car at a light-rail station and be moved swiftly into a newly-thriving downtown -- without having to worry about gridlock, a parking lot or rush hour traffic. Transportation choices mean real freedom," he said.
Gore has been outlining his proposals this week aimed at decreasing U.S. reliance on foreign oil, improving the environment and providing a long-term solution to the gas-price rise which has mushroomed as a presidential campaign issue.
On Tuesday he proposed a $75 billion plan to encourage more efficient power generation and increased exploration for natural gas. On Wednesday he proposed $48.3 billion in aid to help consumers buy cleaner vehicles and more efficient building equipment such as hot water heaters and furnaces.
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