Partnership
The nation’s public transportation systems are owned and operated by state and local governments or governmental agencies, in partnership with the federal government. The private sector also plays a significant role in this system, designing and constructing capital facilities, furnishing rolling stock and equipment, as well as managing and operating services for governmental partners.
This partnership with federal, state, and local governments, transit agencies and private firms is vital to the continued growth and improvement of the public transportation network.
To maintain a balanced regional transportation system and rational transportation planning and decision-making process, the current federal match share requirements of 80 percent federal and 20 percent state and local for fixed guideway capital investments should maintained.
ARTBA believes it is appropriate—and necessary—for state and local governments to increase public investments in transit service and programs to complement federal increases. Such state and local investments could be derived from multiple funding state and local sources––including application of appropriate dedicated sales, income, payroll or property taxes; dedicated benefit district revenues; other general revenue; fare receipts; and local bond issuances.
Opportunities for partnership also extend to federal agencies. ARTBA encourages opportunities for the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration and Federal Rail Administration to share best practices, collaborate on large projects where possible, and improve system transfers from one mode of public transportation to another.
To provide maximum benefits to the overall surface transportation system, federal public transportation investments should be increased to meet the systems needs as quantified by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The federal role in funding public transportation should be maintained as a “needs–based system,” providing investment in transit facilities, equipment, and service where justified.
To provide maximum benefits to the overall surface transportation system, federal public transportation investments should be increased to meet the systems needs as quantified by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The federal role in funding public transportation should be maintained as a “needs–based system,” providing investment in transit facilities, equipment, and service where justified.
Public transportation systems range in capital construction and maintenance requirements, given the varied type of systems. However, ARTBA encourages all transit systems to be developed with certain considerations.
Public transportation offers safety benefits for its riders, who are statistically less likely to be in an accident than car collisions. ARTBA supports the National Public Transportation Safety Plan, which establishes voluntary minimum safety standards for public transportation systems, including roadway worker protections.
ARTBA encourages and supports federal involvement and funding of education and research programs to improve public transportation technology and safety, including enhancing public awareness and understanding of transit operations and safety matters.