February 8, 2007

CONTACT: Richard Farr, Government Affairs Chairman
Cell: 717-578-7965
Fax: 717-848-4853
Email: rfarr@rabbittransit.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                            

POSITIVE BEGINNINGS FOR PA PUBLIC TRANSIT PPTA INTRODUCES "INDEPENDENCE STARTS HERE" CAMPAIGN

The Pennsylvania public transit industry is pleased with Governor Rendell’s proposed budget plan outlined on Tuesday, February 6. To further assist the public in understanding the issues surrounding the funding solutions, the Pennsylvania Public Transportation Association (PPTA) has posted information on its website at www.ppta.net.

This general awareness campaign titled, “Independence Starts Here,” seeks to educate both riders and non-riders about an issue that has affected all transit systems across the Commonwealth. “The mission of PPTA is to be the foremost advocate for public transportation and mobility management in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” explains Martha Pierce, Executive Director of PPTA. “This includes building public understanding and support for transit by promoting the value of public transportation.”

For hundreds of thousands of workers, public transit is the mode in which they reach their employment sites every day and for many, this is their sole source of transportation. The benefits of public transportation extend far beyond the 400 million trips provided annually. Transit can provide significant value in the areas of land use, environmental and energy policies.

“Transportation is the one area of government that transcends all cultural and economic boundaries, the transportation network is the backbone of the State’s economic prosperity,” comments Dennis Louwerse, PPTA’s Board Chairman and Executive Director of the Reading transit system.

The Pennsylvania Public Transportation Association is a state-wide, non-profit professional trade association, which provides leadership, resources, support and technical assistance. PPTA, on behalf of public transportation providers, is a unified voice serving to advocate and strengthen the role of public transportation in improving the quality of life for all Pennsylvania citizens. www.ppta.net.

PPTA Campaign Press Release: PDF | Word

rabbittransit, York County’s public transportation system, provides a variety of transportation services to the residents of York County. Nearly 6,000 people depend on rabbittransit each day to get to work, medical facilities, school and other life-sustaining activities. rabbittransit is dedicated to helping all York Countians get to where they want to go.