AARP Statement on Surface Transportation Authorization Act of 2009
|
June 24, 2009
CONTACT:
AARP Media Relations
202-434-2560
media@aarp.org
AARP Statement on Surface Transportation Authorization Act of 2009
WASHINGTON—AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond issued the following statement regarding today’s adoption by the Highways and Transit subcommittee of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee of the Surface Transportation Authorization Act of 2009:
“The Surface Transportation Authorization Act of 2009 introduced this week by Chairman Oberstar and adopted by the Highways and Transit Subcommittee today is a key first step in putting forth new and revised national transportation objectives and outlining a more comprehensive, multi-modal vision needed to transform the existing system to a 21st century total transportation system.
“AARP lauds the Committee for adding new provisions creating an Office of Livability, emphasizing the need for all roadways to be built with all users – drivers, pedestrians, bikers, transit users – in mind by encouraging comprehensive street design.
“However, AARP is concerned the bill does not make clear requirements to implement Complete Streets policies and key improvements to promote a safe and balanced transportation network for older Americans. By 2025, 64 million people will be over the age of 65, by 2030 a quarter of all U.S. drivers will be 65+, and the number of older non-drivers, nearly 7 million in 2001, will double by 2025.
“There is no mention of improved roadway design safety for older drivers and pedestrians, one of the key elements AARP had asked Congress to address. And the current draft of the bill combines with other transit programs the specialized Section 5310 transportation program that particularly benefits older Americans by funding buses and vans, services that go beyond ADA requirements, and transportation to and from work. The Section 5310 program will be key to supporting expanded transportation services for the nation’s rapidly aging population.
“We look forward to working closely with the Congress in the near term to revise and move this bill toward passage. “
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 35.5 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's 40 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
