Washington, DC – Larry Hanley, international president of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), responds to a recent survey conducted by The Rockefeller Foundation and Transportation for America showing that the majority of Millennials want to be less reliant on cars.
“Will a study showing that 18-34 year-olds prefer public transit finally convince Congress to invest in more and better public transit?
“Millennials — the voters of today and leaders of tomorrow — want low-cost reliable public transit. As much as 66 percent of them say quality public transportation determines where they choose to live.
“Millennials are the new leaders in advancing innovation and business growth and this survey is a warning to elected officials if there’s no investment in public transit everyone loses out in the long run. Young people are setting the pace as we move from a car-centric nation to a society that supports more equitable and sustainable transportation options.
“Public transit provides reliable mobility for everyone and benefits communities in many ways. It creates good jobs and delivers customers to businesses. For every $1 invested, public transportation generates $4. Transit also helps fight pollution and traffic. More people riding buses means fewer cars on the road and less emissions.
“Transit workers, riders and advocates will be out in full force throughout the U.S. and Canada during May, which is Transit Action Month, engaging riders and the public in calling for more and better public transit.
“This study coupled with data showing record numbers of people riding public transit, sends a clear message to Congress - it’s time to pass a bipartisan transportation bill that invests more in public transit to enhance mobility for all of us."