November 13, 2006

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                            

SEEING RED: THE CRISIS OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION RELEASES FINAL REPORT

Thousands of employees in the state of Pennsylvania use public transportation as their only means to get to work. “For those residents who don’t think this impacts them, think again,” states PPTA Executive Director Martha Pierce. Without public transportation, nurses, teachers, factory workers, managers, service providers, and a host of other diverse occupations in which the economy rely would not be in place. In fact, the funding crisis for PA public transportation is so severe; the Pennsylvania Public Transportation Association (PPTA) is encouraging Pennsylvanians to speak out for transit. 

On November 13, 2006, PA Transportation Secretary Allen Biehler presented the PA Funding and Reform Commission final report. The Commission was formed by Governor Rendel to review and make recommendations on Pennsylvania’s transportation system. PPTA is pleased with the work of the Commission. “This is the first comprehensive and detailed analysis of the needs and role of public transportation in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” stated PPTA Chairman Dennis Louwerse.  “We commend the Commission for this undertaking.”

After 16 months of work, the Commission has identified a net funding need of $760M annually for transit and $965M for highways and bridges. PPTA strongly endorses the replacement of current transit funding sources with a dedicated transit trust fund in the same amount. In addition, PPTA endorses increased transit and highway funding at the Commission’s recommended levels. The newly created dedicated transit trust fund would be similar to the highway trust fund.

Other findings noted by the Commission include simplification of distribution mechanisms and efficiency improvements in the industry. State and local partnerships were also recommended in order to ensure a viable future for transit. PPTA has consistently advocated both concepts. 

Most of the transit systems in the Commonwealth are facing severe funding shortfalls. However, PPTA is encouraged by the Commission’s work and believes that the report is a fare and honest assessment of the transit industry. “The time to act is now,” states Pierce. “Without action, millions will be without transportation, our highways will become busier and our air quality will suffer. Public transportation is an essential piece of the transportation puzzle.”

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

Transportation Commission Releases Final Report 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.