As Congress works on what could be the final COVID-19 relief package, it is more important than ever to ensure that public transit agencies have the resources they need to continue providing essential services and help our communities begin to rebuild our economy. Without additional emergency funding, four in 10 public transit agencies will have to consider additional service cuts to close their budget gaps. In addition, nearly four in 10 transit industry businesses will be forced to consider additional layoffs and many businesses remain concerned that they may go out of business due to the pandemic.

On January 27, 2021, APTA President and CEO Paul Skoutelas sent a letter to Congressional leaders urging Congress to provide $39.3 billion of emergency transit funding in the COVID-19 emergency relief bill. This request was based on an independent economic analysis that found that public transit agencies face a projected $39.3 billion revenue shortfall over the next three years due to the pandemic. APTA also sent a February 1, 2021 joint letter with several labor organizations endorsing our request. Please click here to view the APTA-labor joint letter.

However, we need your help to make sure Congress gets the message. We strongly urge you to contact your Members of Congress today and urge them to include $39.3 billion of emergency transit funding in the next COVID-19 relief bill. In addition, we urge you to contact Members of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure regarding APTA’s request. Please click here to view the Members of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the U.S. House of Representatives.

CALL TO ACTION

We strongly encourage you to contact your Senators and Representatives today and urge them to provide at least $39.3 billion in emergency COVID-19 funding for public transit.         

To contact your Members of Congress, please call 202.224.3121.

Please click here to view APTA’s Talking Points.