Passenger Transport Express - 04/02/2010 (Plain Text Version)News HeadlinesSurvey: Public Transportation Systems In Funding Crisis Due to Recession
More than 80 percent of public transit systems are being forced to raise fares or cut services due to widespread declines in state and local revenues, according to a new APTA report. APTA, Partner Organizations Urge for Transportation Funding in Climate Change Bill
APTA joined with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, the American Road and Transportation Builders Association, and other partner organizations in a letter urging Senators John Kerry (D-MA), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Joe Lieberman (I-CT) to include critical transportation investments in the forthcoming climate change legislation being drafted by the senators. FRA to Award $50 Million in Rail Safety Technology Program Grants
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) will soon make $50 million in public safety grants available to passenger and freight rail carriers, railroad suppliers, and state and local governments through its new Railroad Safety Technology Program. $115 Million in High-Speed Rail Design, Construction Grants Available from FRA
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced it has begun accepting applications for $115 million in planning and construction, and final design/construction project funds for high-speed intercity passenger rail. Applications and proposals for these funds must be submitted to FRA by May 19. FRA will announce the awardees this summer. DOT to Make Texting Ban for Interstate Bus Drivers Permanent
U.S. DOT intends to make permanent its recent ban on text messaging while driving for all bus drivers who drive across state lines using a commercial driver's license, as well as all interstate commercial truck drivers. The Notice of Proposed Rule Making will open a 30-day public comment period. Save the DateRegister Now for the 2010 APTA Bus & Paratransit Conference
Be sure to participate in the many unique learning and networking opportunities at the 2010 APTA Bus & Paratransit Conference in Cleveland, OH, May 2-5. This year's closing session, "Dealing With the Downturn," will present ways for transit systems to promote public understanding of service cuts, fare increases, and other measures made necessary by flat and reduced funding. [return to top] In the Media
The major funding challenges being faced by public transportation systems, as described in the latest APTA survey report, were discussed in front-page articles in USA Today, The Los Angeles Times, and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. |