Statement by APTA President & CEO Michael Melaniphy “On behalf of the 1,500 member organizations of the American Public Transportation Association, we appreciate the Senate and the House of Representatives passing legislation that will stabilize the Highway Trust Fund and prevent a shutdown of public transportation and highway investments across the country. “While keeping the Highway Trust Fund and Mass Transit Account solvent and providing an authorizing extension that continues federal investment in our transportation system is a necessary first step to avoid a funding crisis, Congress still needs to fund a long-term solution for transportation in the coming months. Americans require investment in a public transportation network that will keep pace with the nation’s growing population and the rising demands on our transportation network. With the crisis deferred, it is essential that Congress stay focused on completing its work to advance long-term federal legislation that recognizes this demand and provides the needed investment in our nation’s aging transportation infrastructure. “Investment in our nationwide public transportation network is also a catalyst to driving local economic development, revitalizing neighborhoods, and growing our communities. It provides a vital connection for people from all walks of life. Robust investment in public transit yields 1.1 million jobs, $66 billion in business sales, and $9.5 billion in local, state, and federal tax revenue each year. “Long-term investment in our public transit and highway infrastructure is the path to future economic growth, jobs, and increased competitiveness. We urge Congress to continue to focus on ensuring we enact legislation that provides for long-term, and robust investments in our transportation network.”