Department of Homeland Security Directives
Require Funding
TRANSIT NEWS
May 20, 2004
For Immediate Release
Contacts: Virginia Miller (202) 496-4816 vmiller@apta.com or Donna Aggazio
(202) 496-4884 daggazio@apta.com.
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"Safety and security is the top priority of the public
transportation industry. Since September 11, 2001, the industry has spent
$1.7 billion from its own resources to fund security initiatives, many of
which are included in these directives.
Developing mandates such as these requires funds from the federal government.
Simply put, public transportation systems cannot independently shoulder the
responsibility to pay for these mandated security measures on their own.
In addition, other measures are needed to protect America's public transportation
systems. In a recent industry survey, APTA identified $6 billion in transit
security needs. We ask that the nation's millions of public transportation
riders receive the same consideration as airline passengers. There is no funding
(line item) in the Administration's FY05 budget for transit security, which
there is $5.3 billion for aviation security. 16 times more Americans ride
on public transportation each day than on domestic airlines.
The public transit industry looks forward to receiving a copy of these directives
and working more closely with the Department of Homeland Security to ensure
that practical and effective measures can be put in place to safeguard America's
public transportation riders."
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APTA is a nonprofit international association of more
than 1,500 member organizations including public transportation systems; planning,
design, construction and finance firms; product and service providers; academic
institutions, and state associations and departments of transportation. APTA
members serve the public interest by providing safe, efficient and economical
public transportation services and products. Over ninety percent of persons
using public transportation in the United States and Canada are served by
APTA members.
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