“Expanding Transit Service Act” will reduce wait times, expand service, and modernize local public transit systems
MARTA CEO praises bill: “Increasing flexibility for how we can spend federal formula funds will allow MARTA to better balance all the sources of revenue to maximize the benefits to our customers”
Sen. Ossoff previously secured White House commitment to support MARTA expansion
Sen. Ossoff also working to boost transit planning funding in low-income and low-density areas
Washington, D.C. –– Today, Georgia U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock introduced the Expanding Transit Service Act, legislation to expand transit service, reduce wait times, and modernize public transit systems across Georgia and nationwide.
TheExpanding Transit Service Act, which is co-sponsored by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Ca.), will give transit operators more flexibility and allow the use of federal funding for operating costs, maintenance costs, or service-related expenses for the first time.
This will help reduce wait times for buses and trains, expand service hours or days on current routes, expand routes, and provide service to new routes, making transit more accessible for Georgians and Americans.
“We must make a historic investment in our infrastructure to make public transportation more reliable, accessible, and affordable for all Georgians,” said Sen. Ossoff. “Sen. Rev. Warnock and I know reliable transit is key to economic growth, and this legislation is a game changer to expand transit service for all Georgia communities.”
“This legislation will give our transit authorities the resources and tools they need to improve transit options for working people, which will not only help increase connectivity and mobility in our communities but also help keep our local economies growing strong,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “Senator Ossoff and I are focused on passing legislation to increase accessible and affordable transit options throughout Georgia, which is one of our top priorities.”
“Increasing flexibility for how we can spend federal formula funds will allow MARTA to better balance all the sources of revenue to maximize the benefits to our customers,” said Jeffrey A. Parker, General Manager/CEO of MARTA.
The legislation also has support from the METRA transit system in Columbus, Georgia.
In addition, Sen. Ossoff recently introduced the Local Transit Planning Support Act, which would increase funding to plan transit and transportation development in both low-income and low-density areas.
Sen. Ossoff previously secured a commitment from U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to help MARTA expansion efforts.
Click here to read theExpanding Transit Service Act.
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