10/09/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/09/2024 01:11
WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 10, 2024) - American Public Transportation Association (APTA) members gathered today in Washington, DC, to meet with key Members of Congress, stressing the urgent need to fully fund public transportation as authorized in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Both the Senate and House of Representatives have advanced Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations bills.
"To keep pace with the rapidly evolving demands of mobility, we must invest in the future of public transit now. It's encouraging to see Members of Congress and their teams take the time to connect with our industry leaders and tackle these critical issues head-on," said Paul P. Skoutelas, APTA President and CEO.
APTA is urging Congress to provide at least $21.9 billion for public transit and $20.6 billion for passenger rail in the THUD Appropriations bill, when combined with the advance appropriations of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The House THUD Appropriations bill proposes significant cuts to public transit and passenger rail, reducing public transit funding by $1.3 billion and passenger rail funding by $263 million compared to last year's levels.
In contrast, the Senate THUD Appropriations bill aligns closely with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, increasing funding for public transit by $440 million and for passenger rail by $441 million compared to last year.
APTA business members, transit agency CEOs, and transit board members met directly with more than 75 Members of Congress and staff.
Media contact: Amy Thompson, [email protected]. 202-285-2997
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