September 20, 2011
The Capital Region Community Rally Together to Oppose Proposed Federal Transit Cuts.As Authorization Deadline Approaches Supporters Hold Rallies to Tell Congress:
Don’t X Out Public Transportation
Nationwide rally day aims to highlight the importance and need for safe, reliable public transportation across America
(Albany, NY) - This week the U.S. House passed a six-month extension of the surface transportation authorization bill, which would authorizes public transportation funding at current levels until March 2012. While the temporary extension is important, public transit advocates remain concerned about the short and long-term outlook for public transit funding. Public transportation supporters have gathered across the country to speak out against proposed cuts of more than one-third to federal funding for public transportation and all surface transportation programs. Transit supporters have designated today as “Don’t X Out Public Transportation Day” as a way to address a proposal currently in the U.S. House of Representatives to drastically cut highway and public transportation funding.
These cuts, if enacted will have the potential to profoundly impact local public transit riders who depend on these systems to get them to and from work, while also penalizing commuters looking for alternatives to congested, traffic filled roads. The proposed cuts would negatively affect the quality of service to the Capital Region and likely result in issues likeservice delays, over-crowding, and more serious consequences such as fare increases and service cutbacks. The cuts would also affect the Capital Region and the entire country’s ability to create and sustain jobs- further hampering efforts to move America’s economy forward.
“Safe and reliable transportation is at risk,” said CDTA Chairwoman Denise Figueroa. “Without federal investment in our nation’s public transit systems the millions of Americans who depend on it every day may be left with longer wait times, overcrowding and decreased services. Now is the time for our government to be investing in public transportation and our infrastructure, not cutting.”
"With state & local government struggling, now is the time for the federal government to increase investment in our public transportation infrastructure. ATU Local #1321, President/Business Agent, Steven M. Green, states it's about connecting people, with no other options, to jobs & services."
Organizers of the day say cuts this drastic will mean significant job loss in both the public and private sectors. In addition access to quality local public transportation will impact the millions of Americans who rely on it to get to and from work each day. It is estimated that 614,000 public transportation jobs could be lost over the next six years if a funding cut this extreme takes place, with the potential for several hundred jobs lost locally.
To combat the impact of these cuts, transit supporters formed a perse coalition of public transit interests to participate in “Don’t X Out Public Transit Day.” Participants include: Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), Los Angeles Bus Riders Union, National Association of Public Transportation Advocates (NAPTA), Reconnecting America, the Transportation Equity Network, Transportation for America (T4), Transportation Riders for Public Transportation, Transport Workers Union (TWU), Urban Habitat and everyday public transit riders. This national rally day and call to action highlights the severe effects cut of more than one third to federal transit funding would have.
“We can’t cut our way to prosperity, and we can’t afford to reduce investments in public transportation and infrastructure that people rely on each day,” said Congressman Paul Tonko. “Public transportation is critical to getting people to work, reducing congestion, and saving energy, and these proposed cuts would be a burden for business and would cost jobs. I will work with my colleagues in Washington to make certain we don’t make cuts that will end up damaging our economy.”
"At this time of fiscal crisis on our State, Nation and globe, we must work all the harder to protect the jobs, the wages and health care benefits of all workers,” said Assemblyman Bob Reilly. “Stimulating the economy requires a commitment of both private and public resources."
“The public transportation services provided by CDTA improve quality of life for many residents in the City of Albany and throughout the Capital Region, offering a connection to countless opportunities, while also easing the burden of high gas prices by providing convenient and reliable service at an affordable price,” said Albany Mayor Gerald D. Jennings. “In these difficult economic times, our residents have struggled enough, and I call upon the Federal Government to provide the necessary funding to ensure that one
of our City’s most vital resources – public transportation – remains intact.”
“Cuts to transit funding would create severe hardships for workers, students, seniors and the disabled community, who have no other reliable transportation,” said Acting Mayor Gary McCarthy.
“The Capital District Transportation Authority is a strong working partner, not only by providing reliable and convenient transit service, but by CDTA embracing its larger role of not only supporting but truly advancing community prosperity and economic development in our region,” said Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce President Mark Egan.
The Capital District Transportation Authority has invested heavily in addressing the needs of its riders, especially in implementing the new Bus Plus program with faster service, more efficient routing, safe and attractive stations, automated sales and more, said Schenectady Chamber of Commerce President Chuck Steiner. “The return on this investment is already evident in increase ridership and subscriptions. Our region relies heavily on public transportation, and a cut in funding would be detrimental to our workforce and our economy.”
“We urge our Congressional leaders to reconsider cuts that would severely impact public transportation in the Capital Region,” cautioned Faith Takes, President and CEO of Empire Education Corporation. “These cuts would harshly impact CDTA and our public transit system which our students depend on to get to and from class. With increasing gas prices and stretched budgets, our students rely on the convenience and cost saving benefits of CDTA’s public transit system. These proposed cuts would prove devastating for many of our students.”
Rallies and events are taking place across the country today to show Congress America supports investment in public transportation. According to APTA for every one dollar invested in public transportation, four dollars in economic returns is generated- and every $1 billion invested in public transportation creates or supports 36,000 jobs.
To encourage more transit support within the community, CDTA invites the public to visit www.cdta.org to take the transit support pledge and send a message to Congress about the need for more transit funding. All pledge participants will receive a free day pass. During the next week, CDTA will also designate a “wear red” rider day with CDTA employees on the street to randomly spot and reward customers wearing red with a free gift. CDTA bus operators and employees will wear Don’t X out Public Transit arm bands and T-shirts and distribute stickers to customers to promote campaign. Buses with digital signage will sport the “Don’t X Out Public Transit” banner ad. For more information on APTA’s campaign, visit www.supporttransit.org.
