This week, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) submitted a recommendation to the U.S. Department of Transportation calling for $138 billion for public transit and $130 billion for passenger rail over five years in the next Surface Transportation Authorization Act.
According to an association release, these investments could restore lost purchasing power, modernize public transit and passenger rail systems, and fuel innovation. Plus, investments would help address the $140+ billion state of good repair backlog to tackle deferred maintenance.
The letter and APTA's Surface Transportation Authorization Recommendations were delivered in response to the USDOT's Request for Information and outline a framework to "strengthen American competitiveness, create family-wage jobs, and foster innovation in public transportation."
"When it comes to smart investments, the facts speak for themselves. Every $1 invested in public transportation generates $5 in long-term economic returns, and 77% of federal public transportation investments flow to the private sector," said Paul P. Skoutelas, APTA president and CEO, in a release. "Public transportation drives the American economy, whether it's saving families $13,000 a year by providing an alternative to driving, helping companies expand their U.S. manufacturing base, or investing in new technologies that can be exported to the world."
APTA's recommendations include four key initiatives:
Building upon current investment levels for public transit and passenger rail to drive economic growth.
Advancing safety, security, and accessibility.
Accelerating project delivery through streamlined requirements.
Strengthening collaborative local decision-making
APTA is calling on the Administration and Congress to provide the infrastructure investment to restore purchasing power lost to inflation over the past five years and to modernize public transit and passenger rail networks.
"This is not just an investment in mobility, it's an investment in American jobs, families, and competitiveness," Skoutelas said. "The Administration and Congress have a once-in-a-generation chance to put their stamp on America's transportation future. APTA is ready to partner with Secretary Duffy, Administrator Molinaro, other key Administration officials, and Congressional Leaders in both parties to deliver a stronger, safer, and more innovative system for the American people."
APTA is also urging policymakers to "advance new financing tools," such as increasing the Private Activity Bond (PAB) cap and exempting public transit and passenger rail from federally imposed state volume caps. In addition, APTA recommends signific ant programmatic reforms to support project delivery timelines and reduce obstacles.
APTA also seeks to enhance statutory authority for public transportation leaders to meet safety mandates and ensure mobility for seniors, people with disabilities, and vulnerable riders.
"Public transportation serves as a lifeline for communities large and small across America, especially for seniors and people with disabilities," Skoutelas noted. "Rural residents with disabilities rely heavily on public transit, taking approximately 50% more public transit trips than those without disabilities. These critical investments also ensure that federal dollars improve service and accessibility to our most vulnerable users."
