Contact: Mary Trupo
(202) 496-4869
mtrupo@apta.com
http://www.publictransportation.org/

March 12, 2002

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) along with its business partners meet with the House Commuter Caucus

WASHINGTON, DC, March 12, 2002 - What Happens To A Capital Investment In Public Transportation? It sparks an economic chain reaction that generates business activity, creates jobs, boosts property values and tax earnings, and gets people to work. All of this and more is detailed in a report titled Public Transportation Means Business, issued by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) at its annual Legislative Conference and reviewed with the House Commuter Caucus during a meeting today.

"Investment in public transportation has proven to be a smart business move, spurring billions in private sector development, raising property values, attracting businesses, and revitalizing central business districts," said Peter M. Cipolla, Chairman of the Board of APTA. "These economic benefits are felt not just in the cities that have public transportation systems, but in many cities where transit suppliers and manufacturers are located."

Two of the many examples shared in the report focus on DART in Dallas and MetroLink in St. Louis. For DART, the $860 million light rail starter line has generated more than $922 million worth of development, the in-town apartment market grew, office occupancy rates increased and retail sales in the immediate surrounding area jumped nearly 33% (as opposed to only a 3 percent rise citywide during the same time period).

In St. Louis, MetroLink has sparked construction of a range of sports and entertainment facilities, including the $266 million Convention Center & Hotel. Renovation of buildings is taking place, mixed-use developments are being created (part of the city's $300 million downtown revitalization plan) and additional construction of ballparks, museums, and residences is also under planning. In the long run, it is estimated that an $803 million investment in public transportation will result in $1.5 billion in new development for St. Louis.

Another example detailed in the report is that of Chance Coach, located in Wichita, Kansas. Chance Coach, a privately held, employee-owned company manufactures five types of transit vehicles. Investment in public transportation systems in cities nationwide fueled the growth of Chance Coach who contributes $15 million to the local Wichita economy annually.

"Investments in public transportation create and sustain jobs, revitalize urban areas, increase the tax base, and improve access and choice to get people to work or school" said Congressman Martin Sabo (D-MN), co-chair of the House Commuter Caucus. "These investments are important to the economic growth and prosperity of our communities, and funding them should be a high priority," added Congressman Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY) who also chairs the Caucus.

APTA's 27^th Annual Legislative Conference focused on the economic benefits of public transportation, as well as the necessity of assuring the reauthorization of the Transportation Equity Act of the 21^st Century (TEA-21), which comes up for reauthorization next year. "2002 and 2003 are critical years for determining the future direction of transportation for this country. Educating people on the importance and the benefits of public transportation investments is paramount - this meeting starts our strong and organized reauthorization effort," said William W. Millar, President of APTA.

For further information or to get copies of these reports visit APTA's website at http://www.apta.com/ or http://www.publictransportation.org/.

APTA is a nonprofit international association of over 1,400 public and private member organizations including transit systems and commuter rail operators; planning, design, construction and finance firms; product and service providers; academic institutions, transit associations and state departments of transportation. APTA members serve the public interest by providing safe, efficient and economical transit services and products. Over ninety percent of persons using public transportation in the United States and Canada are served by APTA members.

The Public Transportation Partnership for Tomorrow (PT)2 initiative is a nationwide education and outreach initiative recently launched by APTA in an effort to build support for public transportation among the public and local, state and federal officials in order to positively impact investments in public transportation.