Increasing government investment in conventional and green transit bus systems would create high-quality manufacturing jobs, especially in states with double-digit unemployment rates - California, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio - while significantly cutting auto-related global warming pollution, according to a new report, "Public Transit Buses: A Green Choice Gets Greener."
The study is timely because Congress is debating renewal of the federal transportation bill, which provides funds to help local bus systems purchase equipment. The current transportation bill expired in September, but was extended until later this month, and is expected to be extended longer as Congress continues developing the renewed bill.
Current U.S. transportation policy favors highway spending and deemphasizes public transit, so bus orders are small and sporadic, making it difficult for the bus industry to grow, according to the study. "If federal, state, and local policy were to shift to a clear, sustained commitment to public transit, the nation would have the manufacturing capability to meet the resulting increased demand for transit buses," the study concludes.
"Public Transit Buses: A Green Choice Gets Greener," is the 12th installment of the series, "Manufacturing Climate Solutions: Carbon-Reducing Technologies and U.S. Jobs," prepared by researchers at the Duke University Center on Globalization, Governance & Competitiveness and sponsored by Environmental Defense Fund.
To read the study, click here.