More Public Transportation Is Necessary To Relieve Traffic Congestion, Cites New Study

Data Emphasize the Need for Increased Federal Investment in America's Transportation Infrastructure

Contact: Donna Aggazio
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WASHINGTON, DC, September 30, 2003 - The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) today called for swift congressional approval of increased public transportation funding to help head off a worsening congestion crisis across the United States. APTA's appeal came in response to the latest data released today by the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) that show transit is successfully reducing traffic delays and costs in America's 75 largest urban areas.

This year's study reports that regular bus and train services in America's most congested cities saved drivers more than one billion hours in travel time in 2001. Without transit, nationwide delays would have increased by nearly 30 percent, costing residents in the major urban areas studied an additional $21.2 billion in lost time and fuel. This report clearly documents how public transportation makes a strong and ongoing contribution to lessening congestion that exits today.

"It is fitting that the TTI study on traffic congestion is being released the same day that the federal surface transportation program known as TEA 21 expires," said William W. Millar, APTA President. "Today's news is a forewarning for Congress and the Administration. If we fail to expand and modernize our public transportation systems, the growing gridlock in many urban areas will strangle economic progress and lessen the quality of life."

TTI's Urban Mobility Study, the longest running independent analysis of traffic in 75 U.S. metropolitan areas, has been conducted annually since 1982. Among its conclusions, the TTI study found that the average annual delay time per person climbed from 16 hours in 1982 to 60 hours in 2001. During that same period, the extra time needed for rush hour travel tripled. The cost of congestion in 75 major U.S. cities in 2001 totaled nearly $70 billion.

"Public transportation is making a huge contribution to solving the congestion problem," said Millar, "but it will need to do much more in the future." He added, "This is why we are asking Congress to increase the federal investment in transit programs as soon as possible."

Recent studies have shown that public transportation not only reduces commute times, but also promotes cleaner air, local economic development, more livable communities, and greater access and freedom for people from every walk of life. Investing in public transportation has been shown to produce a six to one economic return for communities. In many areas, like Salt Lake City, San Diego, Chicago, and Denver, transit has played an essential role in attracting new businesses, major events, and millions of visitors.

Public transportation is expected to experience the sharpest growth of any form of transportation this decade. However, transit systems are having difficulty keeping pace with the strain created by record-high levels of riders, aging fleets and equipment, and demands for new services. For example, the U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that $17 billion in capital investment is needed each year to maintain current transit facilities.

To maintain and grow the public transportation network APTA is calling for passage of a new Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) that would double the investment in public transportation programs to $14.3 billion by fiscal year 2009.

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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.