Is public transportation losing its momentum?

One question rarely asked when discussing whether a new federal surface transportation authorization bill will be passed soon is if the momentum the industry has will grind to a halt.

The truth of the matter is that we are a fickle nation. Quick to embrace something one minute and, just as quickly, turn completely against it the next. Meaning, yes, today public transportation's role in the U.S. is crystal clear, but how will that vision look a year from now with a bill still not in place?

It's entirely possible that the support public transportation has gathered to this point will slowly fade, as the economy continues to correct itself and we are faced with new problems both as a nation and a planet.

Since we can't force the federal government, which has seemingly chosen to mire itself in a bipartisan muck, to pass a bill any sooner, what can the public transportation industry do to keep the pressure on while maintaining its current standing as a viable solution to many issues, including preserving our planet and eliminating or, at least, decreasing traffic congestion?

Even with the same oil and fuel crisis we've had for the past several years, there are still people buying gas-guzzlers, therefore, I for one may not be so confident we can maintain this roll the industry is currently on.