APTA Stresses Need for Funding at Legislative Advocacy Fly-In

9/10/2024

Office of Rep. Young Kim (R-CA)

APTA members gathered in Washington, DC, Sept. 10, for the association’s 2024 Legislative Advocacy Fly-In.

Throughout the day, attendees visited the offices of key Members of Congress, stressing the urgent need to fully fund public transportation as authorized in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Both the Senate and House of Representatives have advanced FY25 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations bills.

Office of Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL)

APTA business members, public transit agency CEOs, and transit board members met directly with more than 75 Members of Congress and staff during the day of legislative advocacy.

“To keep pace with the rapidly evolving demands of mobility, we must invest in the future of public transit now,” said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “It’s encouraging to see Members of Congress and their teams take the time to connect with our industry leaders and tackle these critical issues head-on.”

Office of Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)

APTA is urging Congress to provide at least $21.9 billion for public transit and $20.6 billion for passenger rail in the THUD Appropriations bill, when combined with the advance appropriations of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The House THUD Appropriations bill proposes significant cuts to public transit and passenger rail, reducing public transit funding by $1.3 billion and passenger rail funding by $263 million compared to last year’s levels.

Office of Rep. Robert J. Menendez (D-NJ)

In contrast, the Senate THUD Appropriations bill aligns closely with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, increasing funding for public transit by $440 million and for passenger rail by $441 million compared to last year.

View more images from the Fly-In here.

APTA continues to encourage its members to meet with their Representatives and Senators to show them how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is making a difference in communities across the U.S.

View APTA’s Advocacy Communications to find messaging resources, first-hand stories, and local data. Access additional tools here.