APTA President Highlights Transit Investment, Advocacy at Florida Conference

APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas addressed transportation professionals from across Florida Oct. 26 at the Florida Public Transportation Association’s (FPTA) annual conference in Orlando, highlighting the industry’s economic contributions, investments in transit infrastructure, and the need for sustained federal funding.

Drawing on his experience leading the Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority (LYNX), Skoutelas recognized the progress made in the region’s public transportation system, including investments under CEO Tiffany Homler Hawkins. He also thanked Florida attendees for participating in APTA’s 2026 TRANSform Conference and EXPO in Chicago earlier in October, which drew nearly 14,000 attendees.

Skoutelas discussed the impact of federal infrastructure investments under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), noting that $105 billion went to public transportation over the law’s five-year period, from 2022 through 2026. Transit agencies nationwide have used these resources to modernize stations and vehicles; expand service; and improve safety, accessibility, and the passenger experience.

Florida agencies have also advanced projects to update bus facilities, transit fleets, and rural paratransit infrastructure. Looking ahead, Skoutelas pointed to statewide and regional planning efforts, including the Sunshine Transit Advancement (STAR) Plan’s examination of high-capacity transit corridors, collaboration on rail infrastructure connecting SunRail and Brightline, and Miami-Dade County’s plans to expand transit investment through 2035.

He emphasized that these investments support economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen businesses across the country. Skoutelas also cited strong voter support for transit, with 49 of 56 transit ballot measures passing nationwide over the preceding 18 months.

Despite these gains, he cautioned that the industry faces uncertainty as the IIJA funding period ends. The continuing resolution funding the federal government through Dec. 11 provides only a short-term framework for transportation programs, while the absence of advance appropriations creates uncertainty for multiyear projects and state and local investment.

Skoutelas highlighted APTA’s advocacy for a new surface transportation authorization providing at least $138 billion for public transit and $130 billion for passenger rail over five years. He also pointed to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s BUILD America 250 Act as a starting point for reforms to accelerate project delivery and reduce regulatory barriers, while stressing that its proposed funding levels fall short of the industry’s needs.

Although the next federal authorization presents challenges, Skoutelas expressed optimism that the industry’s demonstrated economic contributions and public support provide a strong foundation for continued investment. Sustained advocacy, he emphasized, will be essential to securing the resources needed to deliver reliable, modern public transportation services to communities.

He encouraged Florida’s transit professionals to remain engaged in advocacy, underscoring the importance of communicating the industry’s value to elected officials and the public.

How You Can Help 

APTA has launched an email advocacy campaign for public transportation allies to contact representatives and senators to restore public transit and passenger rail funding to FY 2026 enacted levels. Join the email advocacy campaign.

In addition to the email campaign, APTA encourages its members to host Members of Congress to see first-hand how public transportation investment works for everyone. APTA’s Site Visit Toolkit provides guidance.

Additional APTA advocacy tools include:

Learn more at the APTA Advocacy Resource Center.

Also, APTA’s Winter Legislative Meeting and Capitol Hill Holiday Reception will take place December 3 in Washington, DC. Learn about APTA’s advocacy priorities and how you can support them.