APTA Applauds Senators’ Call for Robust Public Transit Investment

APTA applauds 38 Senators, led by Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), for their call to build on historic public transportation investments and ensure guaranteed public transit funding in the upcoming surface transportation authorization bill.

In a letter to Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Chairman Tim Scott (R-SC) and Ranking Member Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Committee on Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) and Vice Chair Patty Murray (D-WA), the lawmakers urged Congress to ensure that no less than 20 percent of new Highway Trust Fund monies is allocated to the Mass Transit Account and at least $21.25 billion in additional transit funding is provided through advance appropriations in a five-year authorization bill.

“Senator Reed and his colleagues are charting a path forward that recognizes public transportation as a proven economic engine and an essential public service,” said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “Every federal dollar invested in transit returns five dollars in economic value, with more than 77 percent flowing to the private sector, supporting U.S. manufacturers, contractors, and workers in every state.”

Despite recent investments, the nation’s public transit systems face a $150 billion state-of-good-repair backlog, even as ridership rebounds and demand for reliable service grows.

“Predictable, long-term funding in the surface transportation authorization act is essential to prevent project delays, protect taxpayer investments, and ensure communities can plan, build, and maintain safe, modern transit systems,” Skoutelas said. “We look forward to working with Congress to advance sustained federal investment that drives economic growth, job creation, and mobility across the U.S.”