Statement by APTA President William Millar

“The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) applauds President Barack Obama for calling for
additional transportation investment in his remarks today on job creation and economic growth.

The public transportation industry has identified more than $15 billion in public transportation capital projects that can be started in 90 days.  It is estimated that this investment in public transportation would support and create more than 450,000 jobs.The vast majority of public transit systems also identified additional needs beyond $15 billion for federal assistance to avoid employee layoffs and service cuts.

Public transit systems have demonstrated that they are effectively implementing projects and creating jobs.  To date, more than 90 percent of the federal funds provided under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act have been obligated.

Public transit investment will help get Americans back to work and create good-paying jobs.  Research has shown that new jobs in public transportation provide jobs to American workers in industries which have been hit hardest by the economic downturn, particularly construction and manufacturing.

Funding public transit should be a priority since it helps local economies while also supporting our developing green economy.

According to the Economic Impact of Public Transportation Investment, a report completed by the Economic Development Research Group this fall, these benefits add up to the fact that for every $1 invested in public transportation, an average of $4 is generated in economic returns.  Roughly $3.6 billion of business sales and nearly $500 million in federal, state and local tax revenues are also generated.”