T4America Blog

New York Senator Chuck Schumer stumping for $2 billion transit aid bill

Sen. Chuck Schumer was joined by TWU Local 100 President John Samuelsen on the left and Councilman James Vacca on the right.

Last week, New York Senator Chuck Schumer, a top Democrat in Washington and influential policy player, spoke out forcefully in favor of the Public Transportation Preservation Act, a $2 billion lifeline for the nation’s transit agencies.

The Act would provide emergency operating aid for buses, subways and other systems throughout the country and would give a significant boost to the tri-state region – hundreds of millions  of dollars would reach the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in New York, New Jersey Transit and neighboring systems. Schumer is joined by his fellow Senators from the tri-state area – Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez of New Jersey and Chris Dodd of Connecticut – in supporting this crucial legislation.

Schumer joined union members and transit advocates at New York City’s Penn Station last Friday, June 11, declaring that “mass-transit is the life-blood of our city.” The Act is gaining co-sponsors by the day, including Alaska Senator Mark Begich and Oregon Senator Ron Wyden.

See Steven Higashide’s write-up at the Tri-State Transportation Campaign for more information and a run-down of the unions and advocacy groups participating.

And if you haven’t already, tell your Senator to support the Act today and join as a co-sponsor.