Texas Transit Association

Statement of the American Public Transportation Association

WASHINGTON, D.C., January 29, 2003 — We were pleased that President Bush highlighted the importance of creating jobs and growing the economy in his State of the Union speech. We are disappointed, however, that he did not mention investing in surface transportation as one of his initiatives to stimulate our economy. The President’s support for increased investment in public transportation needs to be a national priority if America hopes to jumpstart the economy.

Public transportation is a vital element of our economic strength. It generates $6 or more in economic activity for every dollar invested, creates tens of thousands of jobs, and revitalizes communities across the country.

In regards to energy independence, increasing investment and use in public transportation is another vehicle to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and make our air significantly cleaner. For every passenger mile traveled, public transportation uses one half of the fuel consumed by cars.

We urge the President to increase transportation funding, especially for public transportation, in his proposed FY 2004 Budget and to make expansion of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA 21) one of the top goals for his Administration.