Public Transit Industry Calls on Congress for $100 Billion Federal Transit Program
The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has just released its recommendations for authorization of the transportation bill that is set to expire at the end of September.
APTA is calling on Congress to authorize a $100.4 billion federal transit program over six years, which would grow the current $10.7 billion annual program to $22.2 billion by 2020.
In addition, it calls for a number of policy changes in the program that will ensure that the industry provides effective and efficient public transportation. “The industry has come together and developed a consensus recommendation that creates American jobs and addresses the growing demand for public transportation,” said Peter Varga, Chair of APTA and CEO of the Rapid in Grand Rapid Michigan.
According to APTA, the return on investment of its recommendations will result in an additional 1.1 million jobs created or sustained annually, $66 billion in business sales generated yearly, and $9.5 billion in local, state, and federal tax revenue generated each year.
APTA further noted that “for every $1 communities invest in public transportation, approximately $4 is generated in economic returns.”
Recommendation highlights call for Congress to:
- Authorize a public transportation program that provides strong funding for no less than six years.
- Establish a new dedicated Trust Fund funding mechanism that supplements existing dedicated revenues for the Highway Trust Fund and the Mass Transit Account.
- Restore the bus and bus facilities program to pre-MAP 21 levels in two years.
- Increase and balance federal capital investments in programs for formula funding, new starts and extensions, state of good repair, and bus and bus facilities.
- Ensure existing public transportation infrastructure and facilities are maintained and updated through major capital investments in current and future projects.
- Enact a robust and long-term program for investment in high-speed and intercity passenger rail.
More at APTA.
Category: Featured, General Update, Management
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