U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley helped launch a new Congressional caucus Thursday morning, one that plans to make equity, access and sustainability points of emphasis as it considers how transportation systems around the country can prepare for the future.

The Future of Transportation Caucus, launched Thursday by Pressley, Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García of Illinois and Rep. Mark Takano of California, plans to hold “a standing series of briefings and forums” to generate awareness and to promote policy discussions around sustainability, safety, and improved connectivity.

“For years, transportation systems in the Massachusetts 7th and across the country have perpetuated disparities – forcing many of our low-income neighbors to pay more, endure long commutes, and lose pay and family time,” Pressley said. “With our current transportation infrastructure entrenched as one of the largest sources of carbon emissions, it is critical that we support multi-modal transportation options like cycling, rapid speed transit, and walking.”

Pressley’s office said the caucus is being launched as Congress prepares to consider the surface transportation reauthorization proposal before a Sept. 30, 2020 deadline.

A number of transportation advocates joined Pressley and the other members of Congress to launch the caucus in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, including Kasia Hart of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, Galen Mook of MassBike, Vivian Ortiz of LivableStreets, and Charlie Ticotsky from Transportation for Massachusetts.