Public Transit Industry Holds Transit Awareness Day; Emphasizes Value of Public Transit in NYS

ALBANY, NY (03/07/2011)(readMedia)-- Labor, business and transit agencies from throughout the state, including the MTA, upstate authorities, and small urban and rural transit, came together in Albany today to show support for public transit and to the emphasize the industry's valuable contribution to the State's economic recovery, development, and sustainability.

"Transit providers are a key contributor to New York State's financial health, with 70% of all mass transit trips taking residents to and from work. Transit dollars provide a multiplier effect in New York's economy with operating aid providing an economic multiplier of 3.2 for every dollar invested. Not only do New York's transit systems directly employ over 60,000 people, their annual multi-billion dollar capital investments programs also produce jobs and economic impact in manufacturing and service businesses in all regions of the State," said Carm Basile, NYPTA President.

NYPTA supports the 2011-12 Executive Budget proposals for state transit operating assistance (STOA) appropriations totaling $4.2 billion--with $401 million going to non-MTA transit systems--and capital program appropriations and re-appropriations, but remains concerned about the lack of a fully-funded five-year MTA and NYSDOT transportation capital plans in partnership with the federal government. The Association does not oppose the proposal to transfer $200 million in dedicated transportation revenues out of the MTOAF Downstate Account, but emphasizes the need to recognize transportation funding needs and dedicate the resources necessary for infrastructure and operations.

"Public transportation is a critical factor in New York State's economic recovery and maximizing affordable mobility for all New Yorkers will pay dividends. We want to provide more, and New York needs more transit services," Basile explained.

Speaking in support of NYPTA's Transit Awareness Day program, Steve Green, President of the Amalgamated Transit Union's (ATU) Local Division 1321, said: "It's all about jobs, and the public transit industry provides more than 60,000 jobs to transit workers in New York. With the proper support and investment, we can expect this number to rise steadily in the future. That's why it's crucial labor representatives are here today to show support for the goals of NYPTA and public transit systems across the state."

Gordon Nevison, co-chair of NYPTA's Corporate Committee, who helped lead a group of NYTPA's business partners on meetings with legislators, spoke of the industry's contribution to the state's economic development: "Right here in New York we are assembling buses, manufacturing energy-efficient engines and hybrid propulsion systems, building, rebuilding and maintaining subway and rail cars, and much more. Through our collective efforts in the public and private sectors, we are keeping transit capital dollars right here in New York and multiplying their impact through the salaries and wages of thousands of employees and the purchase of services and supplies from hundreds of small businesses throughout the state."

"We applaud Governor Cuomo's efforts to fully fund non-MTA systems throughout the State. We recognize that our transit operators have a responsibility to operate as efficiently as effectively as possible, and transit systems are taking all feasible steps to maintain affordable service. They are seeking out efficiencies that include reducing staff, restructuring support operations, and deferring projects that are not affordable at this time. NYPTA members are prepared to do more with less by exploring cooperative initiatives to allow systems to share services and cut costs through economies of scale," Basile said.

The public transit industry is asking legislators to, among other things, dedicate more revenue to transportation purposes, increase the mortgage recording tax (MRT), increase the taxes and fees that contribute to the dedicated transportation fund pool, uncap the sales tax on gasoline and diesel fuel and dedicate proceeds to transportation purposes, support the capital appropriations as recommended in the Executive Budget, develop a multi-year debt relief initiative funded in part by the state sales tax on gasoline and diesel fuel, and amend the General Municipal Law to permit municipal participation in collaborative procurement.

Transit Awareness Day participants included members of the New York Public Transit Association, ATU Local 1321, and the business community.

The public transit industry includes over 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 and, in so doing, are providing real economic value through improved productivity, lower business costs, and overall public benefit.

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