With Congress continuing the debate on the future of federal transportation spending, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) launched an aggressive advertising campaign spotlighting the benefits of public transportation.

As the deadline for Congress to authorize a transportation bill by March 31 approaches, these advertisements will "dominate" the Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (Metro) Metrorail stations that serve the U.S. Capitol Building and House and Senate Office Buildings. Specifically, the ads are concentrated in the Union Station and Capitol South metro rail stations. Advertisements are also running on Metro buses and inside its railcars.

"Our goal is to highlight the urgency for Congress to pass a multi-year transportation bill that protects critical public transportation infrastructure and provides for long-term investment," said APTA President/CEO Michael Melaniphy. "The message is crystal-clear, in addition to moving Americans; public transportation helps to create jobs, boosts our economy and provides for energy independence as the nation faces rising gas prices."

The Metro ads are part of a larger campaign centered on the theme that "Public Transportation Takes Us There." Advertisements are also running on line and in inside-the beltway publications.

The Union Station and Capitol South station advertisements coincide with APTA's 2012 Annual Legislative Conference, kicking off Sunday, March 11. Leaders from both public transit systems and private transit businesses will be in Washington, D.C. to call on Congress to pass a multi-year transportation bill that will provide stable funding to public transit systems around the country.

To view photos of the advertisements, click here.