URBAN ECONOMIC POLICY

TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATIONS
Better Reporting and Improved Information Systems on the Expenditure of TEA-21 Funding
The Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR-21)
Support for Public Transit Funding
In Support of Actions Ensuring the Future of Passenger Rail
Photo Enforcement Programs
Support for U.S.
DOT Petition on N11
Preserving a Strong Education Commitment in the Universal Service Fund
Pedestrian and
Bicycle Safety

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RESOLUTIONS INDEX

TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATIONS

SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC TRANSIT FUNDING

WHEREAS, there are almost 6,000 transit agencies in the United States, and in 1997, over 6 million people used transit every week day; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Energy estimates that 13 percent of the 91.6 million United States households did not own any means of personal transportation, and thus, millions of Americans are dependent upon transit, including those individuals with low incomes, the disabled, the elderly, and children; and

WHEREAS, transit is energy efficient, using less than one percent of all energy consumed in this country, while automobiles consume 21 percent of this country’s energy, and 49 percent of its petroleum; and

WHEREAS, transit provides mobility during crisis, such as earthquakes, snow and ice storms and other emergencies; and

WHEREAS, transit fares must be reasonable in order to allow many patrons to avail themselves of the services provided, and studies show that on average, a 10 percent increase in bus fares results in a four percent decrease in ridership; and

WHEREAS, operating expenses totaled $19 billion in 1997 with local governments and passengers funding the majority of the costs of operating transit systems, with the Federal government contributing only three percent of the costs of operations; and

WHEREAS, the funding provided for mass transit programs under the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) relies on $12.7 billion from the General Fund, subject to annual appropriations,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that The U.S. Conference of Mayors urges the Congress to fully fund the transit accounts in TEA-21; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that The U.S. Conference of Mayors calls upon the Administration and the Congress to develop budgets that allocate a portion of additional Gas Tax revenue (i.e. RABA funds) to increase support for New Start commitments in FY 2001 and thereafter; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that The U. S. Conference of Mayors calls upon the Congress and the Administration to strongly oppose appropriations riders, including the imposition of transit spending caps, aimed at overturning TEA-21 and the many, carefully crafted provisions of this law providing for balanced investment between highway and transit programs and among the states.

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