February 14, 2005

Statement of Clean Air Council on Public Transit Funding in Pennsylvania

Emily Linn, Program Manager, Clean Air Council:

"The need for a dedicated and predictable funding source for public transit statewide could not be more glaring. A strong, reliable public transit system is critical to improving air quality, reducing congestion on area roads and highways, curbing sprawl, and maintaining and enhancing quality of life, livability, and economic development in all communities across the Commonwealth."

"Pennsylvania's major metropolitan areas are consistently in non-attainment of the federal health standard for ground-level ozone, otherwise known as smog. The Philadelphia area alone recorded 300 exceedances of the ozone health standard during the summer of 2002."

"In urban areas, automobile emissions are the single largest source of ozone pollution. One bus can remove 40 cars from area roadways, while one train can remove 120 cars. The availability of a comprehensive and reliable public transportation system is crucial to meeting the requirements of the federal Clean Air Act, the state Air Pollution Control Act, and Philadelphia's Air Management Code."

"Today, Clean Air Council joins with thousands at a massive rally for public transit at the state capitol, asking the Pennsylvania General Assembly to find a dedicated and reliable source of funding for the Commonwealth's public transportation agencies. Such a funding source is the only way to remove the uncertainty transit agencies face in determining the amount of state support they can expect to receive from year to year. Pennsylvania's public transportation providers must be able to plan operating levels and capital improvements with some confidence that they will be able to carry out those plans."

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Clean Air Council is a statewide, non-profit organization dedicated to protecting everyone's right to breathe clean air. The Council, along with the Pennsylvania Transit Coalition, is working to secure a dedicated and predictable source of funding from the State of Pennsylvania for public transportation. The Coalition is made up of over 60 labor, citizen, consumer, environmental, business, student, and faith groups from across the state.