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City Road and Bridge Agency Officials Push for Emergency Operating Assistance for Transit, Urge Congressional Action on Federal Transportation Bill

Feb 15, 2011

Washington, D.C. – The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) called today for Congress to pass emergency relief funding for public transit agencies while also urging action on the much delayed authorization of the federal transportation bill. The Public Transportation Preservation Act of 2010 would stave off hundreds of cuts to service that is sorely needed by riders in this time of economic downturn. Such cuts are threatening transportation networks in NACTO cities around the country. However, NACTO believes the bill, which would provide $2 billion to help protect public transportation, only calls further attention to the need for longer term, stable sources of funding for transportation programs of all types.

Eight-five percent of public transportation agencies have announced cuts to service, fare increases, or both to eliminate budget gaps caused by the economic downturn. This will be a severe blow to people struggling to get to jobs and school on a limited budget themselves.

“Congress needs to act to preserve transit service during this time of economic hardship,” said Janette Sadik-Khan, NACTO President and Commissioner of the New York City Department of Transportation. “In New York alone, service cutbacks will eliminate or reduce service on over 40 routes around the city. This bill will preserve New Yorkers’ ability to get to jobs, stores, and school during this time of economic hardship.”

Sam Adams, Mayor of Portland and NACTO Vice President said, “This is a chance for Congress to take action and support transit riders at this critical time in the nation’s economic recovery.”

“Transit users here have already endured reduced service citywide,” said Wylie Bearup, Director of the Phoenix Streets Department and NACTO Secretary. “We’ve grappled with the bad economy for years and local belt-tightening gets us only so far. We really do need Congress to help us.”

In California, Nathaniel P. Ford Sr., NACTO Treasurer and Executive Director/CEO of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency said, “Our budget has been hard hit in the current economy, and we welcome the support of Congress to maintain service to our customers. At a time when unemployment is at staggering levels it is crucial that people have a practical way to pursue jobs and to get to their places of employment. Moreover, more transit service means more jobs at a time when layoffs are a chilling reality at transit agencies across the nation.”

“Yet, without a federal transportation bill city transportation and transit agencies will have to continue to hope for band-aid solutions,” said Eric Gilliland, NACTO’s executive director. “Public transportation serves critical mobility, environmental and economic needs in urban areas. A more permanent source of funding for transit operations is required.”