What do we want from the next US president?

As election night approaches, community members are knocking on doors and making phone calls, anxiously trying to engage voters. Many are finalizing their plans to await the results of an election that seems to be one of the most important moments in our lives. The decisions made in this election will shape our country for years to come.

While we remain cautiously optimistic about the outcome, it is critical that we begin preparing for a transition and a new administration. Everyday Americans are ready to move on with their lives and look forward to a future filled with hope and opportunity. They aspire to pursue the American Dream, whether that means going back to school, buying a home, getting married, starting a family, or planning for a comfortable retirement, all of which require mobility. Each of these dreams is a vital component of our society, representing the ambitions and desires of working individuals.

Achieving these goals requires not only enthusiasm, but also a highly sophisticated and robust national mobility plan. This initiative should extend beyond mere transit infrastructure; it must provide guidance and a comprehensive framework that connects mobility with all aspects of life, including jobs, housing and education. Mobility means more than just moving from one place to another; it encompasses the movement of people, goods and information and serves as a vital artery for our economy and quality of life.

Those of us in the mobility sector recognize the importance of collaboration between engineers, urban planners and social scientists. We need to address the public sentiment and historical neglect that marginalized communities have faced for decades. Many people felt trapped in neighborhoods with inadequate sidewalks, inadequate drainage systems, insufficient street lighting, and numerous barriers to accessing public transportation options. The lack of investment in these areas has put the brakes on the hopes and dreams of countless citizens.

It is time to fundamentally change our perspective on mobility. We need to appreciate a whole-of-government approach that connects various sectors – transport, housing, energy, trade, health and education. By working together, we can eradicate the ignorance that often surrounds mobility issues. This requires incorporating mobility education into the curriculum at an early age, making it a crucial element of all federal housing and health access initiatives.

Moreover, we need to invest in modern technologies that improve our mobility landscape. From drones to autonomous vehicles, electrification and connected mobility, we all want to engage and benefit from these innovations. They have the potential to revolutionize the way we perceive and experience movement in our communities. I sincerely hope that these transformative elements will be prioritized as part of the new administration’s 100-day plan, setting the stage for a thriving nation that values ​​accessibility and connectivity for all its citizens.

In closing, we want a president who understands the struggles and aspirations of everyday Americans and prioritizes an inclusive approach to national mobility. By focusing on these critical areas, we can work towards a future where everyone has the opportunity to achieve their dreams, improving our collective quality of life and promoting a fairer society.

Transportation is mobility, and mobility is freedom.