July 11, 2014
AUTHORIZATION UPDATE
CLASSIFIEDS
» The Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority is looking for an executive director. [More]
» The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority has an opening for a deputy director of transit operations. [More]
» Missouri DOT is seeking bids for several different types of vehicles. [More]
View more Classified Ads »
TO PLACE AN AD: E-mail or fax the requested date(s) of publication to: ptads@apta.com or FAX to (202) 496-4898. Mailing address is: Passenger Transport, 1666 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006. Ad copy is not accepted by phone. DEADLINE: Noon, Monday, one week prior to publication date. INFORMATION: Phone (202) 496-4877.

Menendez: Public Transportation Is an Economic Engine

“Public transportation has become an important economic engine in today’s society—creating jobs, connecting communities, and driving productivity,” Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) wrote in a post at APTA's blog honoring the 50th anniversary of the Urban Mass Transportation Act (UMTA) and the ­continuing role of public transit in the marketplace.

UMTA demonstrated “America’s commitment to investing in our nation’s infrastructure and providing affordable, safe, and accessible transportation for all citizens,” he wrote, adding that the law included a federal capital grant program to match local investments and created the Urban Mass Transportation Administration, ­precursor of the current FTA.

Now, 50 years later, public transportation access creates economic hubs across the nation. Menendez mentioned the role of New Jersey Transit Corporation’s Hudson-Bergen Light Rail in reviving both economic and cultural activity in downtown Jersey City. He cited APTA statistics showing that each dollar invested in public transportation yields approximately four dollars in economic returns—which benefit all members of the ­community, whether they ride ­public transit or not. Also, every $1 billion spent annually on ­public transportation capital projects leads to the creation of 15,900 jobs, and every $10 million in capital investment in public transportation results in $30 million in increased business sales.

“Expanded public transportation infrastructure is also a positive catalyst for productivity,” he continued, “allowing riders to easily travel from one area to another and providing businesses with broader access to diverse labor markets. Take a ride on a train today and you’ll see people on their laptops, phones, and tablet devices, managing their day-to-day work flow and tackling projects at the start and end of their days.”

The senator called on ­Congress to listen to its constituents and provide comprehensive funding for ­public transportation, including shoring up the Highway Trust Fund.

“Without a clear path to sustained funding, public transportation providers will have no choice but to make major budget cuts, decrease existing route options, limit needed refurbishment work, and hold off on investments in new projects. Current funding levels are completely inadequate to build and maintain world-class transit infrastructure. Our constituents and our communities deserve better,” he stated.
« Previous Article
Return to Top
Next Article »

FORWARD   |   CALENDAR   |   APTA HOME   |   ADVERTISE WITH US
© Copyright American Public Transportation Association
1666 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20006
Telephone (202) 496-4882 • Fax (202) 496-4321
Print Version | Search Back Issues | Contact Us | Unsubscribe
Twitter Flickr Blog YouTube Facebook