The New York Public Transit Association Announces Transit Awareness Day 2012

ALBANY, NY (02/10/2012)(readMedia)-- The New York Public Transit Association (NYPTA) will work to promote public transportation and secure enactment of its legislative program during its annual Transit Awareness Day. Held in the Well of the Legislative Office Building (LOB) in Albany, New York, this event takes place February 13 – 14, 2012.

Invest in Transit: Keep New York Moving! serves as the 2012 event theme. Representatives from the state's transit agencies, labor and business partners, and lawmakers are welcomed during the convention, which will include an Invest in Transit rally, meetings with lawmakers, a legislative reception, and industry displays.

This year, NYPTA is pleased to join the New York State Transportation Equity Alliance (NYSTEA). Together, they will meet for the transit rally and work to communicate the importance of a strong state investment in public transportation.

Public transportation plays a crucial role in recovering New York State's economy and maximizing affordable mobility. With more than 70 percent of all mass transit trips bringing residents to and from work, transit providers are key contributors to the state's financial health. In addition to directly employing more than 60,000 people, the state's transit systems produce jobs and impact the economy of manufacturing and service businesses.

Transit Awareness Day also serves as an opportunity for NYPTA's followers and social media partners to demonstrate a physical presence in Albany, complement their ongoing Web 2.0 activity, and support lobbying efforts.

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 over 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% of all transit rides in the country.