METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

A final push for reauthorization

Now is the time for everyone, public and private, to get involved in the quest for a new federal funding bill.

by By Frank Di Giacomo, Publisher
February 1, 2005
3 min to read


Now the heavy lifting begins. The public transit industry and the private bus community have been campaigning for several years now for a robust reauthorization of TEA 21, the six-year federal transportation law that expired back in September 2003. The latest extension of TEA 21 — the sixth — expires May 31. We need to keep pressuring Congress and the White House to finally push through the reauthorizing legislation — at a spending level that will continue to help bus and rail operators expand their presence and vitality in communities across the country. (For an in-depth look at this legislative struggle, see Managing Editor Joey Campbell’s story that begins on pg. 26.) Let’s apply the pressure
How do we do this? After so much delay and disappointment, we need to put the last few years behind us and start a fresh — and furious — campaign to convince the folks on Capitol Hill that the reauthorization is essential for a healthy and secure public transportation system. We all know that this is true. But our job is to convince others of this truth. And that requires commitment. Some of you have already shown this commitment by planning to attend the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. The conference is coming up soon (March 6 to 8). If you haven’t registered to attend this critical meeting, please reconsider. Now more than ever, we need to press our campaign. What better way is there than a face-to-face meeting with your representatives on Capitol Hill? Visit www.apta.com for more information. Remember, too, that the 109th Congress is in place. That means that you might have new representatives in the House and Senate. If you’ve got new lawmakers on the Hill, it’s imperative that you educate them on the benefits of public transportation. They might be new to the process. Even if your legislators haven’t changed, you can bring new developments to their attention. Key among these developments is the wave of voter approval of transportation initiatives last November. As I’m sure you’re aware, a record number of transportation-related ballot measures were carried. These 22 victories were registered not just in major metropolitan areas, either. Small and medium-sized communities also expressed their desire to see the construction or expansion of transportation projects. The overall message is clear: Americans support public transportation and its effects on reducing congestion, creating jobs and fostering cleaner air. That’s why it’s so critical that you make an effort to get to Washington. We need you to make these arguments to your representatives or their staffs. The grassroots approach
If you can’t make it to Washington, however, there are other things you can do. Sending letters and e-mail to Congress will provide evidence of grassroots support. Involve your local business community in the effort. And don’t forget your customers. They’re the ones who will be hurt the most if Congress continues to delay reauthorization. You could use your Website to encourage your customers to contact their legislators in Washington. For more information on grass-roots activism, visit www.apta.com/tranitaction. Another great APTA resource is its Public Transportation Partnership for Tomorrow (PT)2 program (www.publictransportation.org). (PT)2 has been a marvelous information tool and advertising campaign for the industry. One part of the program that requires your participation is the series of GIS maps that pinpoint the locations of transit agencies and industry suppliers based on their congressional districts. These maps educate lawmakers about the presence of public transportation-related constituents in their district. If you haven’t listed your agency or company, contact APTA at govt@apta.com. As in years past, I’ll be in Washington, D.C., for the Legislative Conference. I hope to see you there.

Topics:Management
Subscribe to Our Newsletter

More Management

A headshot of Inez Evans Benson
Busby Alex RomanApril 15, 2026

Inez Evans Benson on Rethinking Transit Through Customer Experience

The WSP leader discusses why agencies must look beyond satisfaction metrics and take a more holistic, community-driven approach to service.

Read More →
NJ TRANSIT's new Multilevel III commuter railcar manufactured by Alstom
Technologyby StaffApril 14, 2026

Alstom Delivers First Multilevel III NJ TRANSIT Commuter Railcar

The delivery marks the first car in a 374‑vehicle order and begins the arrival of a new generation of higher‑capacity, more reliable, and more comfortable trains for one of the country’s busiest commuter rail systems.

Read More →
New Cincinnati Metro bus stop sign with large route numbers and clear layout at a city intersection, part of a systemwide signage upgrade initiative.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseApril 13, 2026

Cincinnati Metro Begins Countywide Bus Stop Sign Upgrade

Metro launches a 24-month project to replace 3,700 bus stop signs, introducing improved visibility, QR-enabled rider info, and expanded amenities across Hamilton County.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A BART train on the tracks.
Railby StaffApril 13, 2026

San Francisco's BART Breaks Multiple Records for Post-Pandemic Ridership in March

BART recorded 5,403,140 exits in March, making it the highest monthly ridership since the pandemic and surpassing the previous high set in October 2025 (5,346,890 exits).

Read More →
Rod Diridon Sr. speaking at a podium wearing a brown blazer.
Managementby StaffApril 13, 2026

Transit Leader Rod Diridon Sr., ‘Father of Modern Transit’ in Silicon Valley, Dies at 87

See how the longtime public servant and transportation visionary helped shape Bay Area transit systems and championed rail development nationwide.

Read More →
FlixBus vehicles in a parking garage.
ManagementApril 13, 2026

Intercity Bus Industry Outlook: A Mix of Apprehension & Optimism

Industry leaders see both promise and peril ahead as intercity bus travel rebounds, but unpredictable market forces threaten to reshape the sector.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Ribbon cutting photo celebrating SEPTA's new Ardmore Station
Railby StaffApril 13, 2026

Philadelphia's SEPTA Celebrates New Ardmore Station

The station was rebuilt as part of SEPTA’s Station Accessibility Program, making it fully ADA accessible with new elevators, ramps, and high-level platforms.

Read More →
Passengers in crowded SEPTA station
Managementby StaffApril 10, 2026

SEPTA Releases Proposed $2.7B Fiscal Year 2027 Budget

The plan represents an increase of just 1.9% over the current year, and includes investments in new buses, more full-length fare gates, and other enhancements for customers.

Read More →
Two Metra locomotives on rail tracks.
Railby StaffApril 10, 2026

Metra Reaches New 10-Year Agreement with BNSF

The announcement highlights the long-standing partnership between the Class I railroad and the commuter rail system, dating back to Metra's creation in 1983.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Cover Photo for Bus Tech Talk
ManagementApril 9, 2026

Bus Tech Talk: AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Leadership, Mentorship, and a Career in Transit

In Part 1, Blandon shares his journey from the U.S. Marines to a leadership role in public transit, along with insights on mentorship and professional growth within the industry.

Read More →