Congress passed legislation that extends the surface transportation authorization act, securing funding for transit investments over the next year. APTA President/CEO Paul P. Skoutelas released the following statement:

“The American Public Transportation Association (APTA), on behalf of the entire public transportation industry, applauds Congressional leaders and the Trump Administration for reaching a bipartisan agreement on H.R. 8337, the ‘Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act.’ This is the first time in 30 years that Congress has enacted a one-year extension of surface transportation authorization programs after the lapse of a multi-year authorization act.

H.R. 8337 provides public transit agencies with much-needed certainty regarding public transit funding in FY 2021. It addresses both transportation appropriations and surface transportation issues, preventing a federal government shutdown and continuing current appropriations through December 11, 2020. In addition, the bill includes a one-year extension of the surface transportation authorization act, providing at least $12.6 billion for public transit investment and preventing a $6 billion across-the-board cut to public transit agencies. The bill also specifically provides $3.2 billion to the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund.

Our wholehearted thanks to Congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle and President Trump for working to craft this bipartisan, bicameral legislation.

While passage of this bill is vital to the industry, Congress still needs to address the urgent and dire situation faced by public transportation systems across the nation. As Congress negotiates the newly proposed The Heroes Act, APTA implores both chambers of Congress and the Administration to provide at least $32 billion in critical federal support to enable the public transit industry to survive this unprecedented pandemic.”