State Budget Positive for New York Transit Systems and Statewide Infrastructure

ALBANY, NY (03/28/2012)(readMedia)-- The New York Public Transit Association (NYPTA) congratulated Governor Cuomo and the Legislature for reaching an on-time state budget agreement with a strong investment in the State's infrastructure.

"With a reasonable 2% increase in spending, the state budget is both fiscally responsible and robust. New York Works, for example, is a comprehensive capital plan across 45 agencies that will create thousands of jobs. Public transit understands first-hand how investments in infrastructure have positive economic results," said Carm Basile, president, New York Public Transit Association.

"NYPTA commends Governor Cuomo, Majority Leader Skelos and Speaker Silver for showing the leadership and commitment to invest so much in New York's public transit network and its 8 million daily riders," added Basile.

The Association's annual message has cited national studies showing how every dollar invested in public transit results in $4 of economic activity, including jobs.

The final state budget accepts the Executive's proposal for an increase to transit systems across the State with the MTA receiving a 5% increase, downstate systems a 7.7% increase and upstate systems a 6.95% increase. The budget also includes full funding of the MTA capital plan.

"We were happy to see the increases for transit and the capital investments. Funding the MTA capital plan has a huge impact on the millions of New Yorkers who use public transit every day, and on the manufacturers and suppliers located throughout New York State. It's important for people to know just how much this investment impacts our upstate and downstate communities," Basile said.

In February, NYPTA joined with riders, labor and business for "Transit Awareness Day." In a unique collaboration, transit agencies, the New York State Transportation Equity Alliance (riders), Transport Workers Union (TWU Local 100), Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU Locals 1342 and 1321)) and NYPTA's business partners dedicated the day to making the link between investments in transit and state infrastructure, and jobs, strong communities and overall quality of life.

"Investing in public transit also supports many of the programs in the budget that invest in community development. The revitalization of our upstate communities, higher education and gaming will all inevitably look to public transit to support transportation needs," said Basile.

The New York Public Transit Association, Inc. (NYPTA) is a not-for-profit association representing more than 40 transit systems across New York State including the MTA, one of the largest public transportation systems in the nation, the four upstate authorities, and the transportation systems that serve rural upstate New York communities. In addition, NYPTA is comprised of more than 90 private sector manufacturers, consultants and state government agencies. Members provide nearly all of the public transportation services in New York State, nearly 40 percent of the public transportation services in the nation, and employ more than 70,000 New Yorkers.

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