American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Applauds The Completion Of The Transportation Bill -- Statement from William W. Millar, President of APTA

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

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"I commend the Congress for today's passage of the federal transportation legislation, which guarantees $52.6 billion for public transportation over six years. The public transportation industry is ready to put shovel to ground and begin investing these dollars in projects that will benefit the tens of millions of Americans who use public transportation. Communities throughout the United States will feel the positive impact of these investments.

"This important legislation will significantly address critical transportation infrastructure needs across the country, enhance the mobility options of millions of Americans, and begin to reduce congestion which is so harmful to our economy. Simply stated, this bill will help us remain competitive in the global economy.

"Our gratitude and appreciation to the leadership of the key transit committees in the Senate and House: Chairman Richard Shelby and Ranking Member Paul Sarbanes of the Senate Banking Committee, and Chairman Don Young and Ranking Member James Oberstar of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and to all of the members of their committees as well as the members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, the Senate Finance Committee, and the House Ways and Means Committee. The nation's surface transportation infrastructure has been substantially enhanced by their hard work, vision of the future and dedication to public transportation.

"To ensure our continued competitiveness, we must not stop here. The U.S. Department of Transportation has identified infrastructure needs far in excess of the final amount approved in this new legislation and our members hope that Congress will continue to review funding sources and mechanisms that will enable us to more completely address the growing needs in our country."

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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.