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| September 14, 2012 |
| NEWS HEADLINES |
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House Passes Continuing Resolution to Fund Government Including Public Transit, Senate to Take Up the Legislation Next Week
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The House passed a resolution that would continue to fund public transportation and all federal government programs at roughly FY 2012 levels through the first six months of 2013. The Senate is expected to address this legislation next week, allowing the President time to sign the bill before the current fiscal year ends Sept. 30. This Continuing Resolution allows the transit and highway programmatic changes made under MAP-21 to
be implemented but does not provide for the increased inflationary funding that MAP-21 authorizes. Separately, due to the upcoming Congressional calendar, it is unlikely that a tax extenders package will move before the November elections. This would continue to leave public transit commuter benefits at the current $125 level. |
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House Passes the Public Transit Security and Local Law Enforcement Act
The House voted to pass the Public Transit Security and Local Law Enforcement Act this week. The legislation reauthorizes the public transportation security assistance program through Fiscal Year 2013, authorizing $400 million for FY 2012 and FY 2013 for vital resources to public transportation agencies across the country to fortify public transit systems against terrorist attack.
APTA President & CEO Michael Melaniphy released the following statement upon the House vote: “APTA applauds Representatives Bob Turner (R-NY), Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX), and the other sponsors of the bill, as well as House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Peter King (R-NY), and Ranking Member Bennie Thompson (D-MS), for their bipartisan effort to shepherd this bill to passage in the House.
APTA will continue to advocate for more federal funding as the safety and security of our nation’s public transit riders are the highest priorities of our industry.”
LaHood Announces $59.3 Million for Clean, Energy-Efficient Public Transit Projects Across the United States
Today, DOT Secretary Ray LaHood announced 27 projects will receive $59.3 million to help public transit agencies purchase and support cleaner, greener buses that reduce emissions and improve fuel economy while also delivering a more comfortable, reliable ride for passengers. The funds are from the FTA's FY 2012 Clean Fuels Grant Program.
The Future Exists Today on Public Transportation
Technology that is still decades away from finding its way to your automobile is being put to use every day on public transportation vehicles. An APTA study released today, Transit on the Cutting Edge of Clean Technology, shows that the clean fuel technology advances in public transit vehicles are leading the way to making them viable on all vehicles. Public transit vehicles far outpace
personal vehicles; in 2011, 36 percent were fueled by alternative energy compared to only 3.2 percent of personal vehicles.
Rising Gas Prices Mean Even Greater Savings for Those Who Ride Public Transit
In the past month, gas prices have risen 30 cents per gallon adding to the cost of commuting when most Americans are trying to save money. According to the APTA Transit Savings Report, individuals riding public transportation instead of driving saved $821 that month if they began living with one less car.
SAVE THE DATE
APTA’s Annual Meeting in Seattle, WA is a mere two weeks away. While you know about the technical tours, workshops, sessions and networking events, do not forget to let your guests know that there is an array of activities available for them as well! Check APTA’s website for the latest information, including new Guest Activities.
IN THE MEDIA
It was just another normal day operating a crane at the Transbay Transit Center until the operator pulled out a 10-inch-long tooth that formerly belonged to a woolly mammoth. The animal last explored the San Francisco Bay area nearly 15,000 years ago.
Virginia Beach City Councilors agreed to begin a public awareness campaign in support of extending Norfolk’s light-rail system into the city ahead of a November referendum.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel has big plans for Bus Rapid Transit in Chicago. This includes the most recent announcement that he would like to see a West Loop parking lot turned into a hub for the planned BRT system.
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