By Ron Thaniel
March 9, 2009

U.S. Conference of Mayors Transportation and Communications Standing Committee Vice Chair for Rail Policy Meridian (MS) Mayor John Robert Smith called for “all the resources we can muster at the federal, state and regional levels to begin immediately to reconstruct the nation’s transportation system, especially the long-neglected railroad system we have allowed to atrophy” in a February 26 address on Capitol Hill to a coalition of transportation groups.

Smith, who is a past Chairman of the Board of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation – Amtrak, said we need an intercity and freight rail system “that is interconnected and functioning whole that can move both people and goods quickly, safely and cost-effectively, so that Americans can once again compete head-to-head with the rest of the developed world.”

“In 1955, President Dwight D. Eisenhower understood the critical importance of connectivity in our vast land and while his vision was limited to the interstate highway system his words still ring true,” Smith said.

Speaking at the Transportation for America campaign launch for the next surface transportation bill, Smith told the coalition, “While the federal interstate system was boldly conceived and executed, we have been reminded time and again that highways are only one component of a true transportation network, yet time and time again, we have failed to act on those lessons.”

He said, “Our transportation atrophy is a result of highways that are overcrowded and highway trust funds in jeopardy, airlines in meltdown, and a passenger rail system that has been shamefully neglected.” However, Smith noted, “I see great promise.”

“My fellow mayors are the most effective voice for our American cities on Capitol Hill and they understand that transportation is about connecting from city center to city center. I see mayors of cities large and small energized and committed to addressing these issues,” he said.

At the U.S. Conference of Mayors August Action Forum on Infrastructure in New York City, Smith urged mayors to embrace a national vision for a high speed network of passenger rail services connecting the nation’s cities and their metro areas with other communities along designated corridors. “A national rail network is a new vision for America’s transportation future,” Smith said. Touting the many economic, energy and climate benefits of such a national commitment, he said, “This offers the potential for the biggest infrastructure commitment in this generation.”

Referencing the pending surface and aviation bills, and President Obama’s commitment to high'speed rail, Smith said, “All of these things give me great hope that we will finally see modes of transportation as feeding one another, not isolated silos unto themselves.”

To cement those connections and ensure that the modes of transportation can and will support and sustain each other, Smith said, “We must establish clear national transportation objectives that will lead to the attainment of critical goals like energy security, climate protection, access to transportation opportunities, and the safety and health of our people.”