One of the primary functions of the state should be to provide the transportation infrastructure that supports economic growth and quality of life, as efficiently as possible. Recognizing the energy inefficiency of one passenger automobile trips, the state should do its best to support clean, efficient public transit options.

On the right we hear the argument that each transit option should pay its own way: drivers of autos don't want to subsidize public transit. Yet drivers do benefit, because every rider who opts for public transit means less pollution in the air we all breathe, less traffic on the roads we drive. 

Our current gas tax does not generate enough funding to maintain our roads, bridges and transportation infrastructure. It should be increased.

Recognizing that public transit is expensive to build, we should offer a variety of modes, and permeate urban environments with clean, quiet, efficient options which use technology to provide consumers with efficient trip options. 

Urban planners understand this today more than ever. Development should be clustered around metro stations, subway networks should be underground, allowing development and retail uses above, built with long term planning in mind.

One reason European companies compete effectively with US firms is their cities offer good public transit; thus not every needs a car to get to work. And cities are connected by high speed, wifi equipped rail networks, allowing passengers to work while they travel in relative comfort.