The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Applauds AARP CEO For Highlighting the Importance of Public Transportation To America's Older Americans

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

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APTA President William W. Millar applauded AARP CEO William Novelli for highlighting the importance of public transportation for older Americans in his speech at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. today.

"The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) joins with AARP CEO William Novelli in underscoring public transportation's important role in helping older Americans maintain their independence, remain active in their communities, and avoid social isolation," said Millar. "Unfortunately, the lack of public transportation is becoming an increasingly critical problem across the United States as more and more older Americans choose to drive less or simply stop driving."

A study released last year by the Surface Transportation Policy Project reported that more than half of all non-drivers age 65 and older stay home on any given day. According to this report, "Aging Americans: Stranded Without Option," the problem of isolation is particularly acute in rural America.

"Making sure that today's older Americans have a dependable and accessible public transportation system is a top priority for APTA," said Millar. "This is why APTA is urging the Bush Administration and Congress to act now and reauthorize federal transportation legislation that will provide adequate investment to expand public transportation choices for all Americans, and especially senior citizens."

The TEA 21 reauthorization has been postponed for almost eighteen months. APTA is pushing for a long-term, well-funded and fully guaranteed TEA 21 reauthorization bill that meets mobility needs of all Americans.

"In this great country, all Americans should be able to continue their transportation independence, even when driving a car is no longer an option," concluded Millar.

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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.