WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) introduced the Moving Transit Forward Act on Tuesday. This legislation proposes the creation of a new federal funding stream under the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration, specifically designed to bolster transit agencies’ operating budgets. The bill responds to the pressing need for improved service, safety, and reliability in public transit, addressing issues that have long plagued riders and workers alike.
The proposed program targets a critical gap in the current funding landscape, offering transit agencies additional financial support to expand and enhance services. These funds could be used for various purposes, including adding new routes, increasing service frequency, and implementing safety improvements, all geared towards creating a more dependable and user-friendly transit experience.
Senator Fetterman emphasized the vital role of public transit in community life, particularly in Pennsylvania where public transportation is a lifeline for many. “Public transit is the heartbeat of our communities,” Fetterman stated, highlighting the adverse impacts of inadequate service on Pennsylvania families. With a clear focus on improving accessibility and timeliness, the Moving Transit Forward Act promises to deliver significant benefits to Pennsylvanians and Americans nationwide.
Echoing Fetterman’s sentiments, Senator Van Hollen stressed the importance of reliable public transit for the millions who rely on it daily. “This bill will help ensure transit agencies and the workers who power them have the resources they need to provide reliable and consistent service,” Van Hollen said, shedding light on the broader implications of the act for transit dependability and safety.
The urgency of this legislative effort is underscored by a 2019 PennDOT survey, which found that 338,000 Pennsylvanians use public transit to get to work, ranking the state third highest in the nation for public transit commuter populations. The recovery of ridership levels post-pandemic has been uneven, with systems that maintained strong service levels experiencing quicker rebounds. However, many agencies face a vicious cycle of service cuts and declining ridership, exacerbated by funding restrictions that largely confine federal dollars to capital expenses rather than operational needs.
By introducing a dedicated fund for service-related expenses, the Moving Transit Forward Act aims to break this cycle, ensuring transit providers can maintain and improve service quality even amidst financial challenges. Importantly, the legislation mandates that recipient agencies must uphold their current levels of non-federal funding, preventing any substitution of state and local contributions with federal dollars. This provision aims to guarantee that the new funds lead to genuine service enhancements or the restoration of previously reduced services.
Should the Moving Transit Forward Act become law, it could herald a new era for public transit in America, with far-reaching implications for urban mobility, environmental sustainability, and social equity. By equipping transit agencies with the means to upgrade and expand their offerings, the bill holds the potential to transform public transportation into a more attractive and efficient option for all.
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