Inaugurating a new transit worker push for more federal funding for mass transit systems all over America are TWU Local 100 President John Samuelsen (center), TWU of America President James Little (to his left), and ATU President Warren George (to his right. Joining the transit union leaders, who between them represent some 350,000 workers, were the Rev. Jesse Jackson and (at far right) Congressman Charles Rangel of New York.

Also on hand were many leaders of transit unions from New York and New Jersey, other union presidents, as well as supporters from a wide range of groups including the Working Families Party, Transportation for America, and the Sierra Club NYC.

Just as our country is struggling to emerge from a recession, mass transit system around America are being cut back. Massive service cuts are devastating transit in such cities as Atlanta, Chicago, and New York. The union and environmental partners who have formed Keep America Moving believe that just the opposite is needed: a federal push to fund mass transit, which is a powerful economic engine creating jobs and access to employment. Moreover, mass transit is a green and affordable way to travel for work and leisure, reducing our dependence on foreign oil and allowing for a much smaller carbon footprint than travel by car.