Transit Union calls for passage of Commuter Parity Act (H.R. 2288)
Washington, DC – Larry Hanley, international president of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) released the following statement in reaction to the decrease in tax subsidies for public transit commuters.
“What a way to start 2014. Congress is penalizing millions of commuters who choose public transit with a tax increase, while those who drive and park receive a tax break. It just doesn’t make sense.
“We should be encouraging commuters to get out of their cars and take public transportation - not the opposite. When people take public transit, there are fewer cars stuck in traffic, less pollution and less dependence on foreign oil. Transit creates healthier communities, and it’s good for the economy.
“It’s time to give permanent tax credit parity to public transportation commuters. The average American family devotes nearly 20 percent of its income to transportation – second only to housing. In addition, a two-person household can achieve an average annual savings of more than $9,700 by living with one less car and taking public transportation instead of driving. A permanent increase in this benefit means transit commuters have one less expense to worry about, and in today’s economy, every dollar counts.
“We urge members of Congress to pass the Commuter Parity Act (H.R. 2288) for all commuters. It’s the right thing to do for our communities, our economy and our environment.”
About the ATU
The Amalgamated Transit Union, AFL-CIO, CLC, is the largest international labor organization representing transit workers in the United States and Canada. Founded in 1892, the ATU today is comprised of more than 192,000 members in 254 local unions spread across 45 states and nine provinces in Canada. We represent a broad range of frontline transit workers providing public transit, school transportation, intercity bus service, light rail, para transit, ferry services, and maintenance and clerical service as well as firefighters and other municipal employees. The ATU works to promote transit issues and fights for the interests and welfare of its hard-working members and all working people.