Report: Transit systems in decline, rated C-
Aging facilities and fleets, increased demand for services and record-high levels of riders have created severe stress on America's transit systems.
The nation's public transportation infrastructure is declining due to inadequate funding, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). This year's ASCE Progress Report, an update to the organization's 2001 Report Card for America's Infrastructure, found that America's transit systems will receive a failing grade if the current trend continues. The 2001 Report Card graded transit's condition and performance as a C-. Aging facilities and fleets, increased demand for services and record-high levels of riders have created severe stress on America's transit systems. While public transportation funding has increased over the past few years, financial support has not kept pace with transit's increasing demand and popularity. According to the report, unless government spending at all levels increases by 362% -- to reach $43.9 billion -- physical conditions will continue to decline. With transit ridership at a 40-year high and growing faster than any other mode of transportation, the American Public Transportation Association recommends doubling the annual federal transit program to $14.3 billion by Fiscal Year 2009.
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