DART News Release
Media Relations Contact:  March 18, 2019 Public Transportation Infrastructure: Critically Needed Investments of at Least $232 Billion WASHINGTON (March 18, 2019) With Congress looking to move an infrastructure bill forward this spring, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) today released new research identifying at least $232 billion in critical public transportation investments. The findings were unveiled as part of a report that was released for the first time at APTA's annual legislative conference, shedding light on significant industry needs. Click here to view the full report. (PDF file opens in a new window) Below are comments from public transit leaders who participated in the March 18 press conference. "In addition to being the backbone of public transportation in one of the nation's largest cities, the Chicago Transit Authority plays a vital role in our community's continuing economic growth," said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. "The passage of a federal infrastructure bill is critical for CTA to continue implementing the kinds of large, multi-year projects that stimulate the economy, create stable, good-paying jobs for residents and prepare our city for the demands of the future." "In Iowa, public transit infrastructure is essential to both urban and rural communities," says Elizabeth Presutti, General Manager of Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority. "With an unemployment rate of 2.4 percent, transit is critical to employment and economic growth. We need the federal government to provide a reliable source of funding to meet the needs of the future." "Infrastructure investment consistently produces big financial returns," said Gary Thomas, president and executive director of Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). "Every major DART project has proven that. This is the way to move our economy forward." "The importance of the Silicon Valley economy to the region, state of California and the world cannot be overstated," says Nuria Fernandez, general manager and chief executive officer of Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority. "The need for strong transportation infrastructure is critical to maintain worker productivity and on-time delivery of products and services." "With ridership increasing and growing demand for our services, funding is needed now more than ever to increase our capacity and take riders where they need to go," said Katharine Kelleman, chief executive officer of Port Authority of Allegheny County. "Failure to meet this demand would be detrimental to growth and investment in our region." "Transit is critical to the economic development of Maryland and the region," said Kevin Quinn, chief executive officer and administrator of the Maryland Transit Administration. "An investment in infrastructure is an investment in the quality of life of all Americans." #### The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) is a nonprofit international association of 1,500 public and private sector organizations which represents a $71 billion industry that directly employs 430,000 people and supports millions of private sector jobs. APTA members are engaged in the areas of bus, paratransit, light rail, commuter rail, subways, waterborne services, and intercity and high-speed passenger rail. This includes: transit systems; planning, design, construction, and finance firms; product and service providers; academic institutions; transit associations and state departments of transportation. APTA is the only association in North America that represents all modes of public transportation. APTA members serve the public interest by providing safe, efficient and economical transit services and products. -- 30 -- |
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