APTA Calls on Congress to Fully Fund Public Transportation Investments

MJ Maynard, APTA vice chair and CEO of the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, testified before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Highways and Transit on behalf of APTA June 13.

In her testimony, Maynard focused on the critical investments needed to improve public transit, passenger rail, and multimodal infrastructure throughout the U.S. She emphasized the positive impact federal investments are having on local communities and the national economy, particularly in supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs.

“Given the enormous economic impact of our industry, if you have a transit problem, you have an economic problem,” said Maynard. “Public transportation does far more than carry people from one destination to another; our industry helps carry the economy.” She added: “Every dollar invested in public transportation generates five dollars in long-term economic returns. And the impacts are felt across the nation—to more than 2,000 suppliers in 48 States and Washington, DC, including smaller urban and rural areas where buses, railcars, and their parts are often manufactured.”

Maynard echoed a letter APTA sent to House and Senate Appropriations Committee leaders last month urging Congress to honor the promise of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and fully fund public transit and passenger rail in the FY25 Transportation-HUD Appropriations Act. “These funds will provide the resources necessary to invest in our nation’s economic future, bringing systems to a state of good repair, providing rural access, and driving innovation and clean technologies,” she said.

Learn more about APTA’s advocacy efforts and the importance of BIL investment.