Public transportation enhances lives and the economy

This month marks the 55th anniversary of federal support for public transportation.

The success of public transportation can be traced back to one of the late President Lyndon Johnson's greatest accomplishments which continues benefiting many Americans today.  On July 9, 1964, he signed the "Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964" into law.  This has resulted in the investment over time of several hundred billion dollars into public transportation.

The Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority has benefited by over $650 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration (previously known as the Urban Mass Transportation Administration), going back to 1973.

A majority of the RGRTA bus capital program, including buses, paratransit vehicles, bus garages, fueling stations, fare collection equipment, automatic vehicle locator equipment, real-time communications systems to notify riders for anticipated arrival of the next bus, shelters, bus stop signs and other support equipment necessary to run the system were all paid for primarily with federal funding.  Over $40 million paid for the downtown intermodal bus terminal.   

Millions of Americans today utilize various public transportation alternatives.  They include local and express bus, ferry, jitney, light rail, subway and commuter rail services. All of these systems use less fuel and move far more people than conventional single occupancy vehicles.  Most of these systems are funded with your tax dollars thanks to President Johnson.

Depending upon where you live, consider the public transportation alternative. Try riding a RGRTA bus. The ability to travel from home to workplace, school, shopping, entertainment, medical, library etc. is a factor when moving to a new neighborhood.  Economically successful communities are not 100 percent dependent on automobiles as the sole means of mobility.  Seniors, students, low and middle income people need these transportation alternatives. 

Investment in public transportation today contributes to economic growth, employment and a stronger economy.  Dollar for dollar, it is one of the best investments we can make.

Larry Penner is a transportation historian and advocate who previously worked 31 years for the United States Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration Region 2 NY Office.