WASHINGTON, June 4 ATU-Subsidize-transit
Plan Calls for Subsidizing Fuel for U.S. Transit Agencies
WASHINGTON, June 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), AFL-CIO/CLC, today called on Congress to pass legislation providing U.S. Transit Systems with funds to purchase fuel in an effort to compensate for the millions of Americans who have recently switched to public transportation and to prepare for a massive move of commuters from driving to transit as the price of gasoline climbs towards five dollars per gallon, and perhaps beyond.
The average price of regular gasoline in the United States has reached approximately four dollars per gallon, nearly double what it was just three years ago. The days of cheap gas are over, and people are looking for ways to reduce their transportation costs. There is no better way to do that than by riding public transportation, and Americans are responding in record numbers as bus, light rail, subway, and commuter rail ridership continues to rise. Americans took 2.6 billion trips on public transportation in the first three months of 2008, nearly 85 million more trips than last year for the same time period.
Yet, ironically, while high gas prices are encouraging more people to ride transit, rising diesel prices are also causing mass transit systems nationwide to raise fares, cut service, lay off staff, and delay capital spending. Like other consumers, the agencies are also paying more for fuel -- 44% more this year than last. "So, at a time when demand for buses and trains is at one of its highest points in history, we have transit agencies cutting back. This makes no sense," said ATU International President Warren S. George. "Transit needs to be part of the solution -- not the victim -- of high gas prices."
If Americans used public transportation for roughly 10% of their daily travel needs, the U.S. would reduce its dependence on imported oil by more than 40%, or nearly the amount of oil the U.S. imports from Saudi Arabia each year, according to a recent study. In fact, increased use of public transportation is the single most effective way to reduce America's energy consumption.
Transit systems all across the U.S. are making contingency plans to deal with the current ridership surge and the potential overload of new passengers that could result if gas prices continue to rise. Without help from the federal government, service cuts and fare increases will continue. "Between the price of fuel, food, and health care, working families are getting squeezed like never before," continued President George. "People are looking to transit for relief. The last thing they need are fare increases and service cuts to make their lives more difficult."
Public transportation is an essential public service, and millions of Americans choose to ride transit each day to commute to work, get to school, visit the doctor, attend religious services, and to see friends and family. "Congress needs to provide the resources necessary to keep these systems operating at maximum capacity," said George. "Subsidizing transit fuel costs to move millions of people more efficiently just makes sense."
The Amalgamated Transit Union is the largest labor organization representing transit workers in the United States and Canada. Founded in 1892, the ATU today is comprised of more than 185,000 members in 268 local unions spread across 46 states and nine provinces. Composed of bus drivers, light rail operators, maintenance and clerical personnel and other transit and municipal employees, the ATU works to promote transit issues and fights for the interests of its hard-working members.
SOURCE Amalgamated Transit Union
