Joined by transportation advocates, business associations, and public servants, on April 9, Via Metropolitan Transit called upon Congress to renew funding for the federal transportation bill, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), which is set to expire May 31.
A new analysis from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) shows that, on the national level, more than $227 billion in economic productivity is at risk to the nation’s economy over the next six years without long-term federal investment in public transportation. Without a long-term federal transportation bill, San Antonio and communities across the country face great uncertainty.
“Federal transportation funding is important for Via and the 13 cities we serve,” said Via President/CEO Jeff Arndt. “It allows us to continue planning for the future while delivering day-to-day services. Today, we ask Congress to enact a new multi-year transportation bill that provides dedicated funding before the May 31 expiration.”
With the future of America’s public transportation and road network at stake, Via and local transportation advocates joined other communities across the country for “Stand Up for Transportation Day.” Sponsored by APTA, Stand Up for Transportation Day united more than 260 organizations in communities nationwide to urge federal officials to pass a long-term, reliable federal transportation funding bill.
“Public transportation is a proven catalyst for economic growth, and long-term federal investment in our transportation infrastructure is important for our region’s continued efforts to create vibrant and prosperous communities,” said Via Chair Hope Andrade. “Simply put, transportation keeps our region running. And thriving.”
Lack of a long-term federal funding bill creates local funding uncertainty, which jeopardizes transportation project planning. Across our nation, federal funding also provides a crucial component of capital expenditures for public transportation systems and the maintenance of aging roads and bridges. For these reasons, long-term, predictable federal funding for transportation is critical.
