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American Public Transportation Association (APTA) recently began its 2003 legislative campaign and is lobbying Congress to double federal funding this year to meet growing transportation needs.



On March 10, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta told public transportation leaders that the Administration is committed to sustaining federal funding at record-high levels.



APTA is pushing for additional funding in light of economic factors, including higher fuel prices and unemployment levels.



People support the request for additional funding, APTA officials believe. Results from a recent Wirthlin Worldwide poll show four out of five Americans believe increased investment in public transportation would strengthen the economy, create jobs, reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, and save energy, according to a prepared statement.



APTA expects to increase the federal transit program to $14.3 billion by fiscal year 2009. The program will receive $7.2 billion in federal funds for FY 2003.