The Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act of 2008 authorizes $1.7 billion in funds for Fiscal Year 2008 and Fiscal Year 2009 for public transit agencies to reduce fares and expand services. Additionally, the legislation increases the federal government’s share of the cost for grants for alternative fuel transit equipment from 90% to 100% and for constructing additional parking facilities at end-of-the-line stations from 80% to 100%. The Act expands on a previous program to require that all federal agencies offer transit pass fringe benefits to federal employees working in urban areas with fixed-route transit systems. Finally, the bill creates a pilot program for privately provided vanpool services.
The Middle-Class Position:
The Middle Class Supports. With gas prices hovering at $4.00 a gallon, middle-class Americans are feeling the squeeze. While there are no quick fixes, public transportation is becoming an increasingly appealing option for more middle-class Americans. A recent report shows that households with the best access to public transportation routes spends an average of $728 a month on transportation costs, while households with the worst access spend almost $200 more. The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has found that high gas prices, congestion, and expanded public transit services have led to a 32% increase in public transportation use since 1995 and that the average annual household savings from using public transportation is $6,251. Public transportation is also an effective means to support environmental sustainability. Net oil savings from public transportation were estimated to be 3.4 billion gallons in 2006 and public transportation reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 37 million metric tons each year.
From the Experts:
“Americans are also struggling with trips between metropolitan areas. While about 9 in 10 long distance trips (over 50 miles) are taken by personal cars, by 2010 most of the nation's metropolitan and interstate highways will exceed or be at capacity. Unfortunately this delay is occurring at the same time capacity in air and train travel between metropolitan areas also appear to be suffering…A healthy national economy depends on healthy metropolitan economies—and mobility for residents is a critical component. Therefore, for our transportation system to continue to provide a competitive edge, improving the movement of people by multiple means both within and between metropolitan areas should continue to be an explicit national priority.” – Robert Puentes, Fellow, The Brookings Institution, 4/9/2008
“This important piece of authorizing legislation will mean that more Americans will have transportation options to avoid the high cost of gas. With public transit ridership at a modern record high even as high fuel costs are negatively impacting public transit systems’ budgets, this legislation will help public transit systems keep fares down and expand service.” – William W. Millar, President, American Public Transportation Association, 6/26/2008
Beyond this Bill:
Congress must commit to construction of public transportation infrastructure that encourages Americans to decrease their reliance on cars and that at the same time provides affordable alternatives that help the middle-class deal with skyrocketing gas prices. This will require funding for Amtrak, the nation’s rail service that has been neglected in recent years, as well as funding for local light rail and mass transit projects. A renewed commitment to public transportation can help foster the urban and regional growth that now dominates the nation’s economy, while encouraging development that is environmentally sustainable.
Because the funds set forth for public transit in this bill are not actually granted by the Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act, Congress must ensure that the authorized money is in fact appropriated in future spending legislation.
Net oil savings from the use of public transportation in 2006, according to USPIRG: 3.4 billion gallons
Dollar amount of this savings at today’s gas prices: 13.6 billion
Amount spent by households in neighborhoods with the best access to transit routes on all transportation costs, including gas, insurance, upkeep, and transit fares: $728
Amount spent by households in neighborhoods with the least access to transit: $925
Increase in public transportation use since 1995: 32%
Price of a gallon of gasoline on June 25, 2008, the date on which President Bush issued a veto threat for the Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act: $4.07
Search our analyses of legislation
significant to America’s current and
aspiring middle class, and find out
how members of Congress voted on
those bills.
