Archive: News

TCAT has joined transit agencies across the state to protest a last-minute amendment to the U.S. House of Representatives'  long-term highway bill, approved late Wed., Nov. 4, that would gut about millions of dollars in in much needed federal funding to New York State's transit systems over the next six years.

Under the amendment, which was approved by a voice vote, the 5340 High Density States Program would be eliminated and adversely impact transit agencies all across New York State as well as those in six other states and the District of Columbia. TCAT would lose more than $200,000 a year or $1.2 million over six years in federal funding at a time when the agency is financially struggling to keep up with demand. New York State transit agencies combined will lose about $95 million a year or a total of $570 million over the next six years.

The New York Public Transit Association (NYPTA), the trade association representing TCAT and transit agencies across the state, began mobilizing immediately after the vote to advocate for the restoration of program by contacting federal lawmakers and expressing their concerns about cuts in funding ─ something they find particularly harsh when demand for transit is at an all-time high and transit dollars are hard to come by.

The elimination of the program would cut federal funding by as much as 24 percent in areas of New York State.  TCAT would have its funding slashed by approximately $200,000 annually or 12 percent (from $1.8 million to $1.6 million) As this is a multi-year bill spanning six years, TCAT stands to lose a total of $1.2 million in that time period. These funds can be used for TCAT's operations or capital needs to include much-need bus replacements. As present, TCAT over the next five years will need 30 buses to replace its aging fleet, but only has identified funding for 16. As buses cost around $425,000 a piece, TCAT estimates it is already short by $5.1 million for bus replacements alone! TCAT also needs additional money for facility and amenities improvements as well as much- needed information technology modernization.

"The recently passed House Surface Transportation bill eliminates transit funding dedicated to states with high population-density, including New York, a change that will significantly impact transit systems across the state, said NYPTA President Carm Basile and CEO of the Capital District Transit Authority (CDTA) in Albany. "A 20 percent or more cut in funding will force us to ask our riders to pay more for less service, and slow economic growth in our communities."

Representatives from New York State transit agencies across the state and national transit advocates joined in NYPTA-led conference call Fri., Nov.6 and then again Mon., Nov. 9, to address what some called a "devastating" turn of events. At present, NYPTA is engaging transit agencies in six other states impacted to include New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Delaware, Maryland as well as the District of Columbia, all of whom stand to lose a combined $1.6 billion over the next six years. NYPTA has also been in contact with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is making the restoration of the program a top priority.

Opponents to the amendment expect to fight it as House and Senate conferees negotiate a compromise on the $325 billion transportation bill over the next few weeks, before a final bill is passed into law. The Senate version of the transportation bill retains the program. According to media reports, the intent behind the amendment was to spread dollars more evenly across all states, including less dense states. Opponents, including U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer, say that reasoning doesn't make sense as the program was created to aid some of the most congested, urbanized and transit dependent  areas in the country. Schumer has been selected as a conferee on the Senate side to negotiate the bill with the House.

"This proposed cut in funding would deal a devastating blow to transit agencies, particularly at a time when New York's infrastructure is crumbling and in need of additional funding," U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-New York, said in a news release. "That is why I am going to do everything in my power to reverse these cuts and restore the program, which has been a lifeline for New York in years past and should continue to be for years to come."

TCAT Board Chairman Frank Proto, who has been advocating Tompkins County's congressman, U.S. Rep. Tom Reed (R-23rd), for more transit funding, also expressed his disappointment.

"I am getting whiplash, the feds want us to provide affordable transportation for our respective constituencies, but they refuse to participate in the cost to provide that service," Proto said. "Talk about inconsistency."
 
TCAT is asking the Tompkins County community to contact the county’s federal delegation to voice opposition and/or support of opposition to the elimination of this important funding.

v11i44