On Wednesday, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) called on Congress to invest at least $15 billion in public transportation to support and create hundreds of thousands of jobs and stimulate the economy.

APTA recently completed a new survey of public transit systems nationwide that identified more than $15 billion in public transportation capital projects that can be started in 90 days. It is estimated that this investment in public transportation would support and create more than 450,000 jobs.

The vast majority of public transit systems also identified additional needs beyond $15 billion for federal assistance to avoid employee layoffs and service cuts.

"There's no doubt that new federal funding for public transportation will create and maintain much-needed jobs," said APTA President William Millar. "Funding public transit should be a priority since it helps local economies while also supporting our developing green economy."

According to the "Economic Impact of Public Transportation Investment," a report completed by the Economic Development Research Group this fall, these benefits add up to the fact that for every $1 invested in public transportation, an average of $4 is generated in economic returns. Roughly $3.6 billion of business sales and nearly $500 million in federal, state and local tax revenues are also generated.