APTA Urges Administration, Congress to Invest in Public Transportation to Drive Growth, Create Jobs, Foster Innovation

APTA submitted comprehensive recommendations to USDOT in a letter, Aug. 20, calling for $138 billion for public transit and $130 billion for passenger rail over five years in the next Surface Transportation Authorization Act—investments that will restore lost purchasing power, modernize public transit and passenger rail systems, and fuel innovation.

The letter and APTA’s Surface Transportation Authorization Recommendations, delivered in response to USDOT’s Request for Information, outline a strategic framework to strengthen U.S. competitiveness, create family-wage jobs, and foster innovation in public transportation.

“When it comes to smart investments, the facts speak for themselves. Every $1 invested in public transportation generates $5 in long-term economic returns, and 77 percent of federal public transportation investments flow to the private sector,” said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “Public transportation drives the American economy, whether it’s saving families $13,000 a year by providing an alternative to driving, helping companies expand their U.S. manufacturing base, or investing in new technologies that can be exported to the world.”

APTA’s Recommendations include four key initiatives:

• Building upon current investment levels for public transit and passenger rail to drive economic growth.
• Advancing safety, security, and accessibility.
• Accelerating project delivery through streamlined requirements.
• Strengthening collaborative local decision-making.

“This is not just an investment in mobility, it’s an investment in American jobs, families, and competitiveness,” said Skoutelas. “The Administration and Congress have a once-in-a-generation chance to put their stamp on America’s transportation future. APTA is ready to partner with Secretary Duffy, Administrator Molinaro, other key Administration officials, and congressional leaders in both parties to deliver a stronger, safer, and more innovative system for the American people.”

APTA also urges policymakers to advance new financing tools, including increasing the Private Activity Bond cap and exempting public transit and passenger rail from federally imposed state volume caps. In addition, APTA recommends significant programmatic reforms to accelerate project delivery and reduce bureaucratic obstacles.

“Public transportation serves as a lifeline for communities large and small across America, especially for seniors and people with disabilities,” Skoutelas noted. “Rural residents with disabilities rely heavily on public transit, taking approximately 50 percent more public transit trips than those without disabilities. These critical investments also ensure that federal dollars improve service and accessibility to our most vulnerable users.”