News Release
March 18, 2007
Mantill Williams
202-496-4869
mwilliams@apta.com
(Download In Adobe PDF format)
WASHINGTON, DC - Several high ranking members of Congress voiced strong support for increasing our nation's investment in public transportation at the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Legislative Conference held March 11-14 in Washington, D.C.
The House Majority Leader, Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD) discussed the importance of increasing the commuter benefit and using public transportation as a solution to reduce oil consumption. "Public transportation must play a central role if America is going to declare its energy independence," said Hoyer. "Transit can do this effectively if it receives greater support in Washington."
Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) stressed her commitment to support transit funding. "I am going to work hard with the House to make sure the transit budget is supported," she said. She also emphasized the importance of public participation. "Members of Congress need to hear your local messages and your personal stories," she stated.
Rep. James Oberstar (D-MN), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, spoke about the importance of public transit in our communities and the need to restore the funding authorized and guaranteed under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act - A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU).
"With ever-increasing levels of urban traffic congestion, our cities need safe, convenient, and efficient transit systems now more than ever," said Oberstar. "I am dismayed by the Administration's proposal to cut funding for public transit by more than $300 million below the level agreed to in SAFETEA-LU. Full funding of the amounts guaranteed by SAFETEA-LU has been, and will continue to be, among the Committee's highest priorities."
Regarding the importance of security issues for transit, Rep. John Mica (R-FL), ranking member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, listed improved communications, surveillance, and personnel training as ways that transit agencies can be prepared for the threat of terrorism. "We don't have the vision we should for transportation and infrastructure at the federal level….We need a national strategic plan," he told APTA members. He said he wants to remedy that situation by introducing a national strategic plan for Transportation and Infrastructure in Congress.
Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, described the challenges facing public transportation in the federal funding process. He emphasized that the transit program is substantially undervalued, compared with the expenses facing transit agencies. "We will have to assess the needs, and then see how to fund them," he said.
Longtime transit supporter U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) noted the positive impact that public transit plays in dealing with climate change. "You are a secret weapon to fight global warming," Blumenauer told the APTA conference attendees. "If the federal government had given you a fraction of the resources we've given others, think what you could do. You need a seat at the table as we tackle the issues of energy conservation, climate and urban sprawl."
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APTA is a nonprofit international association of more than 1,500 member organizations including public transportation systems; planning, design, construction and finance firms; product and service providers; academic institutions; and state associations and departments of transportation. APTA members serve the public interest by providing safe, efficient and economical public transportation services and products. APTA members serve more than 90 percent of persons using public transportation in the United States and Canada.
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