More than 60 members of Congress are requesting an increase in funding to the Transit Security Grant Program within the fiscal 2017 Department of Homeland Security authorization bill, to help public transportation agencies defend against terrorist attacks and plan for emergencies. 

The letter, which was orchestrated by Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA), to the House Appropriations' Homeland Security Subcommittee leaders stated, "The current budget climate makes funding choices difficult. However ... the small amount of money spent now could be dwarfed by the savings in lives and damage by preventing a horrific attack."  The recent terror attacks in Brussels were not cited in the letter.

Read the congressional letter here.

APTA Offers Condolences To Brussels

On the morning following the terrorist attacks on Brussels' subway system and airport, APTA Chair Valarie J. McCall and President & CEO Michael Melaniphy released a statement expressing condolences and support to the people of Brussels.  APTA noted that safety and security is the top priority for public transportation agencies.

To read the statement, click here.
 

APTA Releases Transit Savings Report

According to APTA's latest Transit Savings Report, people can save $9,234 annually by using public transportation for their daily commute rather than driving.  That's an average savings of more than $769 per month.

The monthly report shows how a two-person household can save money by having one less car and using public transit.  It also ranks the top 20 cities with the highest public transportation ridership in order of savings based on the purchase of monthly transit passes.

To read the press release, click here.   

SAVE THE DATE

April 11-13: TransITech Conference
Town and Country Hotel & Convention Center
San Diego, CA
Experience the latest transit technology for today and tomorrow by registering here.


April 16-19: Public Transportation & Universities Conference
Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Grand Rapids, MI
To register for this biennial event on the transportation needs of university communities, click here.

IN THE MEDIA

New York MTA Relaunches Public Safety Campaign
WNPR radio; March 22

D.C. Metro Closure A Symptom Of National Transit Funding Woes
NPR radio; March 19

Public Supports Marrying Transit and Uber, study says
The Washington Post; March 16

Lyft and Uber Are ‘Allies’ in the Transit Revolution
TIME magazine; March 15

NOTABLE & QUOTABLE

"The whole premise of terrorism is to try to disrupt people's ordinary lives. And one of my most powerful memories and one of my proudest moments as President was watching Boston respond after the marathon. ... That is the kind of resilience and the kind of strength that we have to continually show in the face of these terrorists."

                                                                                               President Obama, March 23