APTA’s advocacy program works in coordination with APTA’s policy research and communication outreach efforts. The RCA program (Research, Communications and Advocacy) is the driving force behind APTA’s current and on-going advocacy campaign, Public Transportation Takes Us There which is focused on addressing APTA’s authorization goals.
APTA coordinates several advocacy efforts:
Local Transit Coalition Grant Program
The program helps energize grassroots coalitions and their advocacy efforts to achieve state and local public transportation goals. Such activities could include a focus on improving transit service to increase ridership or activities supportive of national efforts to advance public transportation as part of climate change and or transportation legislation.
Public Transportation Takes Us There
The Public Transportation Takes Us There campaign is comprised of APTA members, partners, grassroots advocates and anyone who wants better transit.
Takes Us There is dedicated to increasing transit investment in the upcoming 2009 Congressional surface transportation authorization bill.
As part of the Takes Us There campaign, APTA has developed specific advocacy tools for national and local use. APTA members are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the tools and resources that are made available through the advocacy campaign.
National Alliance for Public Transportation Advocates (NAPTA)
NAPTA is a national grassroots advocacy organization supporting transit and community groups that advocate increased investment in public transportation. NAPTA is the grassroots voice for coalitions and individuals alike. To stay up-to-date on important issues facing public transportation, become a NAPTA member today.
Center for Transportation Excellence (CFTE)
CFTE is a non-partisan policy research center created to serve the needs of communities and transportation organizations nationwide. CFTE serves as the premier source of information on transit ballot initiatives and the campaigns that help achieve success.