Washington, DC

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

For Immediate Release

Contact:

Virginia Miller

202-496-4816

vmiller@apta.com  

Washington, D.C. -- The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) called on Congress today to invest at least $15 billion in public transportation to support and create hundreds of thousands of jobs and stimulate the economy. APTA has just completed a new survey of public transit systems nationwide which 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.

"Let's get Americans back to work," said APTA President William Millar. "It is essential that a jobs bill include public transportation investment to create good-paying jobs for Americans. "

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.

"There's no doubt that new federal funding for public transportation will create and maintain much-needed jobs," said Millar. "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.

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.

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The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) is a nonprofit international association of more than 1,500 public and private member organizations, including transit systems and high-speed, intercity and commuter rail operators; planning, design, construction, and finance firms; product and service providers; academic institutions; transit associations and state departments of transportation. APTA members serve the public interest by providing safe, efficient and economical transit services and products. More than 90 percent of the people using public transportation in the United States and Canada are served by APTA member systems.

Virginia Miller

Senior Manager-Media Relations

American Public Transportation Association

Washington, DC

202-496-4816