New York Public Transit Association Hosts Annual Transit Awareness Day

ALBANY, NY (02/13/2012)(readMedia)-- Transit managers, riders, labor and businesses convened today for Transit Awareness Day, held at The Well of the Legislative Office Building (LOB) in Albany. The two-day event is dedicated to emphasizing the public transit industry's value to the State's economic recovery, development, and sustainability.

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

This year, NYPTA partnered with the New York State Transportation Equity Alliance (NYSTEA), representing many of the state's riders, the ATU, TWU, and its business partners in support of the State's investment in public transportation.

"Because public transportation mobilizes our public and spurs economic growth, this event helps to reinforce both the social and economic impact of public transportation," Basile said. "It provides us a platform to educate decision-makers about just how important public transit is to our quality of life throughout New York State."

The governor's Deputy Secretary for Transportation, Karen Rae, a past president of NYPTA, spoke at the rally. MTA Chairman Joseph Lhota, New York Senator Martin J. Golden, NYSTEA Deputy Director, Cecil Corbin-Mark, Assemblyman James Brennan, TWU Local 100 President John Samuelsen, NYPTA Corporate Committee Co-Chairman Lou Quaglia of Nova Bus Corporation, and ATU Local 1342 President Vince Crehan also rallied transit supporters.

"In these economic times, this broad support and presence is essential to representing the wide interests and impact of public transportation, and communicating the need for public transportation services across New York," said Hilary Ring, a NYPTA Legislative Committee chairman and government affairs representative for the MTA.

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

The public transit industry includes more than 110 transit systems throughout New York, which collectively provide more than two billion transit rides annually. Public transit agencies and systems, operating in nearly every county, are providing safe, economical, and environmentally friendly alternatives to the automobile. In so doing, they are providing real economic value through improved productivity, lower business costs, and an overall public benefit.

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 over 20 years of operation, NYPTA remains devoted to public transportation development and representing the mass transportation needs of the riding public.

The Association consists of more than 110 members, including public transit systems located throughout the State which collectively provide over two billion transit rides on bus and rail annually. Total passenger miles statewide equal nearly a half billion. These Association 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.