The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) applauds the House vote to pass H.R. 6052, an important piece of legislation that will authorize investing almost $2 billion in U.S. public transportation systems.

“I want to thank the House for voting to pass H.R. 6052 today. This important piece of authorizing legislation will mean that more Americans will have transportation options to avoid the high cost of gas,” said APTA president William W. Millar. “With public transit ridership at a modern record high even as high fuel costs are negatively impacting public transit systems’ budgets, this legislation will help public transit systems keep fares down and expand service.”

Last year 10.3 billion trips were taken on U.S. public transportation – the highest number of trips taken in fifty years. In the first quarter of 2008, public transportation continued to climb and rose by 3.4 percent.

In April 2008, APTA did a survey on public transportation fuel costs. From 2004 to 2008, fuel costs rose 166 percent, and that increase was before fuel went to more than $4 a gallon. As a result of high fuel prices, some public transit systems have had to raise fares, cut service or postpone needed actions.

“Just as high gas prices strain the family budget, so too do high fuel prices strain a public transportation system budget,” said Millar. “We call on the Senate to take up this legislation immediately and to make a difference for the millions of Americans who need to beat high gas prices and save money.”