February 28, 2005

Statement of Clean Air Council on Transit Flex Funding

Emily Linn, Transportation Program Manager:

"While it's a relief for riders and workers that the immediate funding crisis has been averted, this is still not a permanent solution. My fear is that instead of using this time to find a dedicated, predictable funding source for public transportation, the state will simply wait around again until another crisis develops.

"It is a shame that our elected officials have been unable to solve this problem once and for all. They need to use this bought time to work out a solution that will give transit agencies the resources they need. With dedicated funding, Pennsylvania's transit agencies would be able to focus on improving the quality of public transportation, rather than merely staying afloat."

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BACKGROUND: Earlier today, Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell pledged to divert $68 million from federal highway funds in order to avoid service cuts and fair increases by the state's public transportation agencies.