NYPTA Promotes Public Transportation During Transit Awareness Day

ALBANY, NY (03/04/2013)(readMedia)-- For Immediate Release: March 4, 2013

ADVOCACY DAY ATTENDEES SEND PRO-TRANSIT MESSAGE

NEW YORK PUBLIC TRANSIT ASSOCIATION HOSTS TRANSIT AWARENESS DAY:

Albany, NY (March 4, 2013) –Transit managers, riders, labor and businesses convened today for Transit Awareness Day, at The Well of the Legislative Office Building (LOB) in Albany. The two-day event emphasizes the public transit industry's value to New York State's economy and sustainability efforts.

"As reflected in his Executive Budget, Governor Cuomo has demonstrated strong support for investment in public transportation," said Carm Basile, NYPTA's president. "Investing in our infrastructure yields positive results for the State's economy and for our local communities," he added.

NYPTA partners with the New York State Transportation Equity Alliance (NYSTEA), a coalition of environmental and rider advocacy groups, labor and business partners to support the State's investment in public transportation.

"Because public transportation provides mobility, which supports economic growth, this event reinforces the social and economic impact of public transportation," Basile said. "It provides a platform to educate decision-makers about how important transit is to the quality of life throughout New York."

MTA Interim Executive Director Tom Prendergast spoke to rallying transit supporters, along with Cecil Corbin-Mark, Deputy Director of WeAct, Ray Melleady of the USSC Group, Kevin Dawson, Nova Bus, and Chris Boylan, of the General Contractors Association of NY.

"Mass transit is the fuel that powers the $1.4 trillion economy of the greater New York City region, which makes up 11% of America's gross domestic product," said Prendergast. "The MTA's top priority in the legislature is to fund our next Capital Plan, which will keep our customers safe and on time while pouring billions of dollars into businesses across the state. The 2010-2014 Capital Program alone created about 350,000 New York jobs and $44 billion in economic activity throughout the state. As my colleagues from across New York know, if our customers don't move, neither does our economy."

In addition to the rally, Transit Awareness Day included meetings with lawmakers, a legislative reception and presentation, and industry displays.

The New York public transit industry includes more than 110 transit systems, which collectively provide more than 3.8 billion transit rides annually. Public transit systems, operating in nearly every county, provide safe, economical, and environmentally friendly alternatives to driving. In so doing, they provide real economic value by connecting people to jobs and offering real environmental benefits.

About NYPTA

The New York Public Transit Association, Inc. (NYPTA) is a not-for-profit association of public transportation service providers, private sector manufacturers and consultants, and state government agencies. The Association was formed in 1983 by representatives of the transit industry committed to the advancement of public transportation in New York State. After 30 years of operation, NYPTA remains devoted to public transportation development and representing the mass transportation needs of the riding public.

NYPTA members consist of upstate and downstate systems in rural, suburban, city, and large metropolitan localities, and account for 28 percent of all transit rides in the country.

About NYSTEA

The New York State Transportation Equity Alliance (NYSTEA) is a coalition of over 75 groups across New York State working to reform federal and state transportation policy.NYSTEA is coordinated by Empire State Future, Tri-State Transportation Campaign, UPROSE and WE ACT- combining regional land use planning, environmental justice and transportation policy experience.

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