Senate passes bill to benefit public transportation users

The U.S. Senate recently passed legislation that will give benefits to people using public transportation, bringing commuters closer to having permanent parity to parking benefits.

Now the legislation requires the signature of President Barack Obama.

“This is a great holiday present for the millions of Americans who use public transportation,” Valarie J. McCall, American Public Transportation Association (APTA) chair and board member of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, said. “Finally, the U.S. tax code will be consistent for both public transit riders and those individuals who use the parking benefit. We look forward to President Obama signing it into law.”

With the new legislation, transportation and infrastructure leaders hope that more people will be encouraged to use public transportation for their daily commutes.

“This is a significant shift in policy that will promote greater usage of public transit,” Michael Melaniphy, APTA president and CEO, said. “The federal tax law is now fair and no longer favors driving and parking over public transportation.”

The bill includes appropriations for omnibuses as well as alternative fuel tax credit, which has been renewed for the next two years.

“In addition, we are pleased that the Alternative Fuels Tax Credit has been extended through 2016,” Melaniphy said. “This will not only help the many public transportation systems across the country who use alternative fuel, but will encourage additional public transit agencies to use alternative fuels.”