Statement By The American Public Transportation Association On President Bush's Proposed FY 2006 Budget

Contacts: Virginia Miller (202) 496-4816 vmiller@apta.com
or Donna Aggazio (202) 496-4884 daggazio@apta.com.

(Download document in Adobe PDF format)

At a time when President Bush is proposing cuts and the elimination of domestic programs, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) is pleased that the Administration's proposed FY 2006 budget recommends increased investment in the nation's public transportation infrastructure in the context of reauthorizing TEA 21.

The budget proposal would increase transit funding from $7.65 billion in FY 05 to $7.78 billion in FY 06. This increase of $132 million, representing less than a 2% increase, is a small step in the right direction. In a time of domestic budget cuts, we appreciate that President Bush understands that transportation is an important priority that needs to be addressed, not cut.

Still, this increase should be a starting point for the TEA 21 reauthorization discussions, since it does not fully meet the public's growing demand for public transportation. In contrast, the U.S. Department of Transportation's most recent annual Conditions and Performance Report concluded that $20.6 billion needs to be invested annually in public transportation.

In addition, we are disappointed that the Administration proposal does not guarantee the transit general funds and does not preserve the traditional balance between transit and highway programs. We are committed to working closely with Congress in addressing these critical issues.

A long-term, well-funded and fully guaranteed TEA 21 reauthorization bill is needed to meet the mobility needs of millions of Americans who depend on public transportation. Every year there are 9.6 billion trips on public transportation. Other public transportation benefits include: access to jobs; growth in economic development; congestion relief; and improved air quality.

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APTA is a nonprofit international association of more than 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. Over ninety percent of persons using public transportation in the United States and Canada are served by APTA members.