Congress Takes Critical Step in Supporting Transit With Final Federal Transportation Bill Language
Chicago (June 28, 2012) – The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) released the following statement in response to final language released by the U.S. House and Senate conference committee on H.R.4348 (MAP-21) – legislation federally funding surface transportation programs.
“More Americans rely on public transit now than ever before and the final version of MAP-21 – legislation investing in America’s transportation system – is a critical first step in supporting Chicagoland’s transit system, economic vitality, and livability,” said Joseph Costello, Regional Transit Authority Executive Director. “The bill makes needed transit investments by:
- Increasing transit funding levels from $8.36 B in FY2012 to $8.47 B in FY 2013 and, $8.595 B in FY 2014;
- Providing state of good repair formula grants to upgrade and repair transit systems at $2.136 B in FY 2013, $2.165 B in FY 2014; and
- Ensuring steady support and certainty for transit riders by continuing to fund projects from the Highway Trust Fund.”
“The bill fails to address one key issue, restoration of the $240 per month commuter transit and parking tax benefit. Given these difficult economic times, cutting this benefit by 50% only puts increased pressure on American families and workers,” said Joseph Costello.
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About the RTA: The RTA provides financial oversight, funding and regional planning for the three public transit operations in Northeastern Illinois: The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus and train, Metra commuter rail and Pace suburban bus and paratransit. For more information, visit www.RTAchicago.com.
