Public Transit Industry and Stakeholders Join Together for Transit Awareness Day

• by New York Public Transit Association

ALBANY, NY (03/02/2009)(readMedia)--

New York State's public transit industry and its stakeholders joined forces for "Transit Awareness Day" held today, at the Legislative Office Building.

Riders, environmentalists, labor, business, the disability awareness community and transit agencies from throughout the state, including the MTA, upstate authorities and small urban and rural transit, came together in a strong showing of support for funding public transit.

"No other infrastructure investment can match the results public transit delivers in economic growth and productivity, public health, environmental improvement, energy conservation, access to jobs, independent living, and economic well-being for all New Yorkers," said Ray Melleady, NYPTA President.

The 2009-10 Executive Budget significantly reduces state public transit operating assistance (STOA) by over $285.6 million. Total downstate STOA is slated to be cut by over $272 million or 9.77%, the bulk of which will come from the MTA. STOA for upstate systems will see a $13.3 million cut, which represents a 7.57% reduction over current levels.

"In difficult economic times it appears the most prudent thing we can do is cut spending. However, there are times when our failure to invest actually ends up costing us more. This is one of those times," Melleady said. "The economy, environmental awareness and fluctuating gas prices have resulted in record numbers of people turning to public transportation. At a time in our history when we have never been more dedicated to reducing our dependence on foreign oil, eliminating tailpipe emissions and rebuilding our economy, we are confronted with budget proposals that undo our progress," Melleady explained.

The public transit industry asked legislators to restore proposed cuts, support the recommendations of the Ravitch Commission, and to establish new, dedicated revenue sources.

Transit Awareness Day participants included the New York Public Transit Association, NYPIRG Straphangers Campaign, Citizens Regional Transit Corp., Empire State Transportation Alliance, the Environmental Defense Fund, ATU Local 1321, New York Association for Independent Living, Capital District Coalition for Accessible Transportation, 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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