M.J. Maynard, vice chair of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) and CEO of the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, testified before the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Highways and Transit on behalf of APTA.

In her testimony, Maynard focused on the critical investments needed to improve our nation’s public transit, passenger rail, and multimodal infrastructure.

Transit’s Impact

Maynard emphasized the positive impact federal investments are having on local communities and the national economy, particularly in supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs.

“Given the enormous economic impact of our industry, if you have a transit problem, you have an economic problem,” Maynard said.

“Public transportation does far more than carry people from one destination to another; our industry helps carry the economy,” Maynard added. “Every dollar invested in public transportation generates five dollars in long-term economic returns. And the impacts are felt across the nation — to more than 2,000 suppliers in 48 States and Washington, D.C., including smaller urban and rural areas where buses, railcars, and their parts are often manufactured.”

“Investment in public transportation helps communities of all sizes flourish — connecting workers to jobs, students to school, and people to healthcare,” Maynard said. “America’s strength and progress have always been built on mobility and the opportunity it provides. Public transportation is changing lives.”

APTA’s Call for Complete BIL Funding

Maynard echoed a letter APTA sent to House and Senate Appropriations Committee leaders last month urging Congress to honor the promise of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and fully fund public transit and passenger rail in the FY 2025 Transportation-HUD Appropriations Act.

“These funds will provide the resources necessary to invest in our nation’s economic future, bringing systems to a state of good repair, providing rural access, and driving innovation and clean technologies,” she said.