Public Transit At Risk of 'Failing'

New Study on America's Infrastructure Shows Public Transportation Needs More Funding

Contact: Donna Aggazio
(202) 496-4884
daggazio@apta.com

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 4, 2003 – 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 "C minus."

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 percent -- to reach $43.9 billion -- physical conditions will continue to decline.

"Today’s report clearly demonstrates that America’s mobility is at tremendous risk," said William W. Millar, president of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the national trade group representing transit systems. "Without increased federal investment now, our transit systems will become less efficient, service will be reduced, and future repairs will be more costly. The consequences, which will affect every American, mean more traffic congestion and air pollution, lower productivity, and a drain on the nation’s economy."

With transit ridership at a 40-year high and growing faster than any other mode of transportation, APTA recommends doubling the annual federal transit program to $14.3 billion by Fiscal Year 2009 when Congress reauthorizes the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA 21), the program responsible for America’s surface transportation infrastructure, including transit. TEA 21 expires on September 30, 2003.

In anticipation of this deadline, APTA has documented serious unmet needs in excess of $43 billion a year. These needs include:

• Our nation’s buses and trains are aging and need replacement: 43 percent of America’s passenger rail cars and locomotives exceed the federally recommended service life; 22 percent of the nation’s bus fleet is over the federal age limit; and an additional 47 percent of buses will become too old to meet these recommendations during the next federal funding program.

• To improve the current physical condition and service performance, public transportation requires up to $43.9 billion in annual capital investment.

APTA is calling for increased funding and a stronger TEA 21 program to prevent a further decline in transit infrastructure and transportation options.

"We need to invest in public transportation at a level that ensures we can provide the mobility, economic, energy, and environmental benefits that improve the lives of all Americans," said Millar.

For more information on APTA’s proposal for TEA 21 reauthorization, please visit www.apta.com.

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APTA is a nonprofit international association of 1,500 member organizations including public transportation systems; planning, design, construction and finance firms; product and service providers; academic institutions; and state associations and departments of transportation. APTA members serve the public interest by providing safe, efficient and economical public transportation services and products. APTA members serve more than 90 percent of persons using public transportation in the United States and Canada.