Transportation officials from all levels of government are calling on Congress to act through “Stand Up for Transportation Day” on Thursday, to ensure transportation funding at the federal level before its expiration on May 31.
According a report from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), Congress has only passed short-term bills to act as funding extensions while aging transportation infrastructure continues without being repaired.
Events are taking place in several cities across the country, including Denver, Colo.; San Francisco and Long Beach, Calif.; Normal, Ill.; Albany, N.Y.; Philadelphia, Pa.; along with Tampa, Fla., and Lansing, Mich.
The APTA states that a long-term solution is necessary for communities across the country, so that public transit can support local and regional economic growth.
In San Francisco, three events are scheduled, with two press events taking place at San Jose State University and the Transbay Terminal Center, the latter of which is acting as a regional press event. A project tour and networking event are scheduled following the press event at the center. These will allow attendees to see what the area’s agencies are working toward and how federal funds would benefit them.
In Philadelphia, a “Stand Up 4 Transportation” rally will be held outside the historic city hall; representation will include Ed Rendell, the former governor of Pennsylvania, and congressional members from the state and region.
