Under current law, only transit systems located in urbanized areas under 200,000 in population may use their funds for operating purposes. As a result of this policy and the continued shortage of state and local revenues, more than 85% of transit systems across the U.S. have cut or eliminated vital service or raised fares since the beginning of the current recession. Thousands of transit riders can no longer get to jobs and services, and thousands of transit workers have lost their jobs as well. These challenges are continuing, with more than half of transit agencies currently considering fare increases or service cuts.
The federal surface transportation bill is about to be considered by the U.S. Congress. This campaign is aimed at getting language in the bill to provide transit systems with local control of their federal transit funds, allowing them to preserve critical service and hold down fares during tough economic times so that working people may be offered quality, affordable public transportation.
Attached please find information about HR 3200, legislation supported by ATU and a broad coalition of partners. Over the next few months, we will be leading a grassroots campaign to pass this critical legislation. Join us!
ATU Locals Supporting the Transit Operating Assistance Bill (PDF)
Rep. Carnahan & Rep. LaTourette praised for transit funding bill (Press Release)
Bullets Carnahan Bill (PDF)
Committee Targets (PDF)
H.R. 3200 (PDF)
Bill Cosponsors (PDF)
Q&A for HR 3200 (PDF)
Sample Constituent Letter (doc)
Public Flyer (PDF)
Federal Transportation Funding: Demystifying the Complexity (PPT)
