Pennsylvania governor, mayors call for transit funds

Governor Edward G. Rendell, Altoona Mayor Wayne Hippo and more than 25 mayors from around Pennsylvania this week called on the General Assembly to address critical public transit needs. Ridership on the state's 73 transit systems has increased by more than 4 million over the last four years, Rendell said, adding that continued lack of funds would result in substantial cuts in service. Rendell has proposed a 6.17% tax on oil corporations' gross profits to generate $760 million a year for public transit. Sixteen events were coordinated by the Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities in response to the looming service cuts and fare hikes for transit agencies across the state beginning July 1. Mayors pledged to contact their legislators to demand a dedicated funding source for public transit. For more information about the transportation funding crisis, visit: http://www.rideonpa.org/.