Transportation For America » Transportation for America Urges Congress to Support the Public Transportation Preservation Act

Transportation for America Urges Congress to Support the Public Transportation Preservation Act

May 25, 2010
By Transportation for America

Emergency Operating Aid Would Restore Major Service Reductions, Hold Down Fares and Preserve Jobs

Transportation for America today hailed the introduction of emergency legislation to prevent disastrous service cuts and fare hikes that are threatening public transportation riders across America.

The Public Transportation Preservation Act would provide $2 billion in emergency assistance for operating expenses necessary to restore a major reduction in transit service and to hold off future fare increases due to decreased state or local funding that occurred on or after January 1, 2009. Funding would be distributed through existing formulas. The Act will help transit agencies avoid or minimize future service reduction and fare increases that are being contemplated through the end of FY 2011.

Director of Transportation for America, James Corless, released the following statement supporting the act:

“With demand for public transportation service at its highest level in over 50 years, Congress must act to protect Americans who rely on transit from service cuts and fare hikes that threaten their ability to reach jobs and daily necessities. This act will help to preserve an economically essential service with a one-time, emergency infusion that will help to save jobs and access to jobs.

“Senators Christopher Dodd of Connecticut, Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, Richard Durbin of Illinois, Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez of New Jersey, Jack Reed of Rhode Island and Sherrod Brown of Ohio are to be commended for coming to the rescue of public transportation riders across the nation. The dire situation facing transit systems across the country – as they are forced to lay off workers, raise fares and cut service – highlights the critical need for Congress to pass the transportation authorization bill this year that would address America’s need for greater transportation options.”

UPDATED: Tell your Senator to support or sponsor this bill.