(The following appeared on the Progressive Railroading website on December 3, 2009.)
Yesterday, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) called on Congress to provide at least $15 billion for public transportation to help create jobs and stimulate the economy.
A recent APTA survey of U.S. public transit systems identified more than $15 billion in public transportation capital projects that could be started in 90 days. The projects would support and create more than 450,000 jobs.
“There’s no doubt that new federal funding for public transportation will create and maintain much-needed jobs,” said APTA President William Millar in a prepared statement.
For every dollar invested in public transportation, an average of $4 is generated in economic returns, according to a report issued by the Economic Development Research Group in fall, APTA said.