Signing By President Bush Of New Transportation Bill Will Make A Difference For All Americans

Contacts: Virginia Miller (202) 496-4816 vmiller@apta.com

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"President Bush's signing of the transportation bill, SAFETEA-LU, is an historic moment that will make a positive difference for all Americans," said William W. Millar, president of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), who is attending the signing ceremony in Aurora, Illinois today.

"Public demand for transit is on the rise and this new multi-year federal legislation will give a much needed boost to meet the needs of a growing public transportation system," said Millar. "Last year there were 9.6 billion trips on public transportation and since 1995 public transportation use has grown by 23 percent."

SAFETEA-LU was approved by Congress on July 29. The $286.4 billion transportation bill includes $52.6 billion in guaranteed funding for public transportation for six years, through Fiscal Year 2009.

"This significant increase in transit investment by the federal government is a recognition of the importance of public transportation to our communities, whether urban, suburban or rural," said Millar.

"APTA is also pleased that Congress and President Bush guaranteed the transit money," added Millar. "This means that transit agencies across the country will be able to make long-term transportation plans and better serve their riders and communities."

"With the signing of this very important bill we move forward into the 21st century with funding to maintain our existing infrastructure and develop new transit projects that are important to relieve congestion, improve mobility for all Americans, and strengthen our economy," said 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.