Coalition urges additional public transit investment in reconciliation bill

Aug. 31, 2021

Letters urging at least $10 billion of additional public transit investment in the reconciliation bill

This week, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) and a broad coalition of 45 industry partners sent letters urging Congress and the Administration to provide at least $10 billion of additional public transit investment in the reconciliation bill—the Build Back Better Act.

The letters also urge Congress and the Administration to provide significant, dedicated high-speed rail funding in the bill. The letters’ signatories include a broad coalition of national associations representing public transit, high-speed rail, labor, environmental, local government, mobility, and construction interests.

“These bold investments in public transportation in the Build Back Better Act will enable us to tackle climate change, advance equity, and meet the growing and evolving mobility demands of our communities,” APTA President and CEO Paul Skoutelas said in a statement. “Investing in public transit and high-speed rail will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality and public health, and help transform our nation’s transportation network for a sustainable future. Public transportation creates access to opportunities, including jobs, health care, and education, which can help our communities address the equity challenges that they face.”

APTA says it looks forward to working with Congress and the Administration on the reconciliation bill and urges U.S. leaders to use this once-in-a-generation opportunity to provide the public transportation investments necessary to address the nation’s climate and equity challenges.

The $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation package is making its way through Congress to pass in addition to the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill. The infrastructure bill includes $39 billion for public transit systems and $66 billion in passenger and freight rail.

------------

SOURCE: American Public Transportation Association

Sponsored Recommendations

The Science Behind Sustainable Concrete Sealing Solutions

Extend the lifespan and durability of any concrete. PoreShield is a USDA BioPreferred product and is approved for residential, commercial, and industrial use. It works great above...

Powerful Concrete Protection For ANY Application

PoreShield protects concrete surfaces from water, deicing salts, oil and grease stains, and weather extremes. It's just as effective on major interstates as it is on backyard ...

Concrete Protection That’s Easy on the Environment and Tough to Beat

PoreShield's concrete penetration capabilities go just as deep as our American roots. PoreShield is a plant-based, eco-friendly alternative to solvent-based concrete sealers.

Proven Concrete Protection That’s Safe & Sustainable

Real-life DOT field tests and university researchers have found that PoreShieldTM lasts for 10+ years and extends the life of concrete.