SUPPORT OF MAINTAINING CURRENT TRANSIT
FORMULA BALANCE
WHEREAS,
in a recent five-year period alone, public transportation use has increased by
22 percent – growing faster than vehicle miles and airline passenger miles
traveled over the same period. In 2001,
Americans used public transportation 9.5 billion times – the highest ridership
level in 40 years; and
WHEREAS,
communities across the country are rehabilitating and expanding public
transportation systems and constructing new ones. More than 550 local public transportation operators currently
provide services in 319 urbanized areas; 1,260 organizations provide public transportation
in rural areas; and 3,660 organizations provide services to the aging
population and disabled individuals; and
WHEREAS,
the historical balance of transit funding, through which 40% is allocated for
the Fixed Guideway and Rail Modernization (Rail-Mod) Program, 40% for the New
Starts Program, and 40% for the Bus and Bus Facility Program, ensures funding
to build new systems, maintain existing systems and provide flexibility to
small communities; and
WHEREAS,
the current balance is based on needs and ensures that new systems after being
built are properly maintained; and
WHEREAS, more than 50 systems around the country
depend on Rail-Mod funding to maintain track, power, signals, rolling stock and
more will be eligible for this funding when their systems are 7 years or older,
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that The United States Conference of Mayors urges
the Administration and Congress to maintain the historical balance in transit
formula programs by continuing to allocate 40% of transit formula funds for
Rail-Mod, 40% for New Starts and 20% for Bus and Bus Facilities.
©2004 U.S. Conference of Mayors 