Many great transformational events of the past century have been about investing in transportation. During the past two weeks, we have been a part of three such events.
First, this week President Biden signed into law the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal (BID). I was honored to represent the public transportation community at the White House ceremony on Monday afternoon.
The new law is by far the largest federal investment in the history of public transportation. In addition to repairing, replacing, and modernizing our industry’s infrastructure, the BID includes a new five-year authorization for surface transportation programs and substantial funding increases: $107 billion for public transit and $102 billion for commuter rail, Amtrak, and other high-performance rail.
Yet, this long sought and hard-won legislative victory is about much more than the sum of its numbers; it represents a historic, seminal chapter in public transportation’s future. Our expanded role includes modeling sustainability to fight climate change, advancing racial and social equity, and providing greater access to convenient, reliable mobility options.
Second, after four years, we brought together nearly 10,000 public transportation professionals and business leaders at the APTA EXPO and TRANSform Conference, the world's largest public transportation event. During November 7 - 10, Orlando, Florida was the epicenter for exploring our industry's future, while reflecting on the lessons learned during the pandemic that threatened our work and our lives.
Our timing could not have been more perfect. The event allowed us to celebrate enactment of the BID, as well as to hear from FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez and FRA Deputy Administrator Amit Bose; learn about the latest issues, technologies, and advances; recognize the best of the best in our industry; and reconnect with colleagues and business partners. The energy, excitement, and high expectations of attendees showed that public transit is back – and ready to write a bold, bright future.
Finally, Election Day 2021 delivered further evidence that Americans believe public transportation is a “must-have” in their communities. Voters in 11 different places across the United States approved local transit funding measures this month – a first-ever 100 percent success rate at the ballot box.
These wins occurred in communities as diverse as Lucas County, OH; Durango, CO; East Baton Rouge, LA; Arlington, VA; Flint, Holland, Kalamazoo, Alger County, and Grand Haven Township, MI; Gilbert, AZ; and statewide in Maine. See details at APTA’s Center for Transportation Excellence website.
The 2021 results reinforce what we saw in 2020, when 9 in 10 ballot measures were approved during the pandemic as the public recognized public transit’s essential role in keeping communities functioning.
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This is an extraordinary moment for APTA, our members, and public transportation. Rarely does any industry help lead decisive, historic change – in public policy and public opinion – that will define its future. Thanks to a great deal of hard work, we have done just that. I thank you all for the valuable contributions you have made.
Yes, there is still work to be done. APTA will continue working with Congress and the Administration to advance the Build Back Better Act and meet our communities’ evolving mobility needs. We now have an extraordinary opportunity and responsibility to implement the BID effectively and demonstrate public transportation's vital benefits.
The three transformational events I have cited are proof that we have succeeded in shifting the conversation. Today, public transportation is viewed as a key leader and influencer on the nation’s most important issues.
Working together with a unified voice brought us to this momentous time and place. I feel privileged to lead our association during this most exciting of times.
With warm wishes, gratitude, and the highest aspirations for our future,
