Secretary Buttigieg Meets with Transit Employees, Stresses President’s Support
One of President Biden’s first actions to protect the health and safety of Americans was to sign an Executive Order on January 21 promoting safety during the COVID-19 public health emergency in domestic and international travel.
by METRO Staff
February 5, 2021
Buttigieg emphasized the health and safety of the American public is the Biden Administration’s number-one priority.
Credit:
U.S. DOT
2 min to read
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg met with Amtrak and transit officials as well as front line transit and rail workers at Union Station, where he discussed the importance of the recently announced federal mask requirements for public transportation employees and users to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 and highlighted the Biden Administration’s support for additional COVID-19 relief funding for public transportation.
"We depend on many essential workers for our economy and for our way of life. And while many Americans are wrestling with the complexities of working from home, many other Americans don't have the opportunity, or the option, to work from home, and they are supported by these extraordinary workers who look after the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of American travel," said Buttigieg. "Above all, I want to say thank you to all of the workers and leadership who have facilitated essential trips, and have delivered essential goods and services during the pandemic, and for their dedication to the safety and prosperity of this country and the traveling public."
Ad Loading...
Buttigieg emphasized the health and safety of the American public is the Biden Administration’s number-one priority. Mask-wearing, physical distancing, appropriate ventilation, and timely testing can reduce the risk of travelers spreading COVID-19.
Buttigieg underscored that dependable public transit systems are critical for a robust and equitable economy recovery.
Credit:
U.S. DOT
One of President Biden’s first actions to protect the health and safety of Americans was to sign an Executive Order on January 21 promoting safety during the COVID-19 public health emergency in domestic and international travel. On January 29, the CDC issued an order requiring masks to be worn throughout the nation’s transportation networks, stating that all transit passengers and workers must wear masks on transit vehicles and in transit facilities. On January 31, the TSA issued a security directive implementing the order, stating that it applies to passenger railroads, intercity bus services, and public transportation. The mask requirement will save lives by helping to control the transmission of COVID-19.
In addition to helping to save lives, the Biden Administration is working to support the nation’s transportation systems that have been hit hard by COVID-19. Buttigieg underscored that dependable public transit systems are critical for a robust and equitable economy recovery. The American Rescue Plan would help keep agencies from having to lay off transit workers and cutting the routes that essential workers rely on every day, while making these transit systems more resilient and ensuring that communities across the country maintain the access to opportunity that public transportation provides.
The special episode features an exclusive interview with Mark Miller, president of Constellation Software Inc. and executive chairman of the Volaris Group, who reflects on the podcast's early vision and the importance of creating a platform where transit leaders can share ideas and learn from one another.
The CAD facility enables NFI to complete full domestic production of heavy-duty transit vehicles, including zero-emission buses, in Winnipeg for the first time in 15 years.
The findings provide clear evidence that sustained Federal investment in public transit and passenger rail delivers significant returns for workers, communities, taxpayers, and the U.S. economy, APTA officials said.
On a recent episode of METROspectives, METRO Magazine’s Executive Editor Alex Roman sat down with Ana-Maria Tomlinson, Director of Strategic & Cross-Sector Programs at the CSA Group, to explore a bold initiative aimed at addressing those challenges: the development of a National Code for Transit and Passenger Rail Systems in Canada.
Over the next four years during the Spanberger Administration, DRPT will use the plan to prioritize funding for human service transportation projects and programs that reduce barriers, expand access, and promote equitable mobility, said department officials.
A new advisory group of current and former city leaders will collaborate on funding strategies, technology deployment, and best practices to modernize U.S. public transit systems.
The LIT Navigate Mentorship Program was launched as a structured, low-cost opportunity for active LIT members, focused on intentional growth, workforce development, mentorship, networking, and education.
Approved as part of WMATA’s Strategic Transformation Plan, the expanded program introduces new pricing and participation options that make it easier for colleges and universities to join and for more students, such as part-time, community college, and graduate students, to benefit from accessible transportation.
