Dylan’s view’s on

TRANSPORTATION

Strengthening Public Transportation for All

As someone who relies on public transit daily, I know firsthand how vital it is—and how Denver’s RTD struggles with staffing shortages, reliability, and safety. While RTD has made progress (like boosting security and cutting safety incidents by 50%), systemic issues remain. I’ll fight for federal solutions to expand transit access, protect workers, and connect our communities.

The Challenges

  1. Safety Concerns

    • RTD’s increased security and staff training have reduced Transit Watch alerts, but riders still face risks.

    • My plan: Partner with RTD to expand safety programs and push for federal standards like the Transit Worker and Pedestrian Protection Act (to reduce assaults on drivers and accidents).

  2. Staffing Shortages

    • Transit agencies nationwide struggle due to:

      • Stagnant wages (barely above $20/hr for bus drivers).

      • Slow hiring processes (6+ months in some states).

      • Poor working conditions (long hours, lack of childcare).

    • My plan: Redirect federal grants to recruit and retain workers by:

      • Raising pay and subsidizing housing/childcare (like NYC’s “Women Behind the Wheel” program, which doubled female hires).

      • Expanding visa programs and Spanish-language recruitment (RTD boosted Latino hires by 30% this way).

  3. Low Ridership = Less Funding

    • Empty trains mean less revenue for improvements.

    • My plan: Revive the Commuter Parity Act to:

      • Expand tax-free transit benefits (adjusting for inflation—currently capped at $300/month).

      • Incentivize employers to subsidize passes.

Why Public Transit Matters

✅ Economic Boost

  • Saves households $10,000+/year vs. car ownership (AAA).

  • Every $1 invested generates $4 in economic growth (APTA).

✅ Environmental Justice

  • Cuts CO₂ emissions by 45% per mile vs. cars (FTA).

  • Denver’s electric buses avoid 500,000+ tons of CO₂ annually.

✅ Equity & Health

  • 2x as many Black/Hispanic households lack a car (Brookings).

  • Transit riders walk more, reducing obesity and heart disease.

My Plan in Congress

  • Fund Safety & Staffing: Pass laws to protect workers and speed up hiring.

  • Expand Transit Benefits: Make tax-free commuter benefits keep up with inflation.

  • Invest in Clean Transit: Push for electric buses and rail to fight climate change.

  • Cut Red Tape: Eliminate bureaucratic barriers to hiring and federal grants.

Let’s build a transit system that works for riders, workers, and our planet.

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