APTA Applauds Call to "Fix It First" in State of the Union Address
“President Obama’s call to undertake fix-it first projects for aging infrastructure, as well as invest in high-speed rail, underscores the critical importance of transportation,” said APTA President and CEO Michael Melaniphy in a written statement responding to the State of the Union address on Feb. 12. “Clearly, transportation is the backbone of a thriving economy that is essential to ensuring that the United States is globally competitive. … Now is the time to look to the future, to ensure that America maintains its global competitiveness and its position as the country of economic opportunity.”

High-Speed Rail has the Ability to Transform the Midwest
The Midwest High Speed Rail Association is in the process of preparing a series of studies to show the impact of high-speed rail. The eight Midwest states are the world’s fifth largest economy and are focused on bringing the 220-mph trains to the region, which can slash travel time to fewer than three hours among major cities in the region.

U.S. Chamber Hosts First Annual Transportation Infrastructure Summit
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce hosted the first annual Transportation Infrastructure Summit on Feb. 13.  At the event featuring T&I Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA), Chamber President and CEO Thomas Donohue, and APTA staff, participants discussed vital issues related to transportation, including the role of federal government, public-private partnerships, U.S. infrastructure,supply chain competitiveness, and technology.

SAVE THE DATE


The legislative agenda of the 113th Congress will have a direct impact on every public transit system in the U.S.  APTA members can get a close-up look at the policymakers, elected leaders, and newsmakers who set those priorities at the upcoming Legislative Conference, March 10-12. Hear from FTA officials, House T&I Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA), and Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), ranking member of the House Budget Committee, among others who influence the federal role in public transportation.

IN THE MEDIA


Do you need to get across town and need a catchy tune to sing? Check out the newest song in the Valley Metro Notes video series featuring a princess who may just meet a prince on the way downtown.