Investing in Public Transportation

Investing in better public transportation for Pennsylvanians is crucial for fostering economic development and more livable communities. Yet for six of the last eight years, while inflation and other factors have driven up costs, state funding has been essentially flat. Now the proposed state budget calls for a 6 percent drop in funding.

Communities all over the state will be hard hit if such cuts are enacted. In the Philadelphia area, SEPTA has reacted to its funding problems with proposals for fare increases and drastic reductions in service. Pittsburgh is forced to take similar steps.

Public transportation cuts would profoundly hurt, not help, the state's economy, particularly as economic development is one of the Rendell administration's stated priorities. Instead of reductions, there should be a realistic increase in public transportation funds - creating a reliable source of funding.

States all over the country face similar budget problems, State governments face rising costs from the vacuum left by the federal government - including unfunded mandates for programs such as homeland security and public education. Yet Congress and the administration propose massive tax cuts, deficit spending and no increase in funding for public transportation.

The commonwealth's projected budget deficit of $2.2 billion by next year makes clear that Pennsylvania General Assmbly and the Rendell administration need to make some tough decisions regarding budget priorities. But investing in public transportation ultimately adds to the state coffers.

Public transportation is not just a public service; it's essential for prosperity. It more than pays for itself in the economic vitality it helps create. A nonpartisan majority among our state lawmakers should recognize that investing in public transportation is supporting one of the state's most promising engines for economic growth.

Among the many benefits enabled by public transportation are these:

• Workers' ability to reach jobs throughout the city and suburbs.
• Opportunities for retail and service businesses at transportation hubs.
• Fewer hours lost while commuters - and commercial truckers - are stuck in traffic jams.
• Easier access to cultural sites, educational institutions, libraries and human services.
• Economic vitality and improved quality of life in cities and towns, particularly older communities.
• Transit-oriented residential and commercial development, an alternative to costly, dehumanizing sprawl.
• Relief from traffic congestion, air pollution, groundwater pollution and associated health costs.
• Safety. For years, traffic deaths nationwide have hovered around 41,000. Last year: 42,000. In the eight years of the Viet Nam war, we lost 58,000 Americans. The last eight years of traffic deaths totals about 328,000.

Gov. Rendell's budget message March 4 stated that the budget was designed to "limit cuts that adversely affect Pennsylvania's people - especially the most vulnerable populations." But the proposed cutbacks would negatively affect these people.

Higher fares and less service would disadvantage the poor, the elderly, those too young to drive, and those with disabilities. It also could hinder access to health care, day care shopping and all the other benefits that the rest of us enjoy.

Efficient, affordable, accessible transportation alternatives will help Pennsylvania develop communities that are more economically vibrant and environmentally sustainable. The improvements are there for all to see in communities in the United States and throughout the world, such as Washington; Portland; Vancouver; Curitiba, Brazil; and most European cities. These places show how investing in public transportation can enable economic development, smarter land use, historic preservation, cleaner air and water, and communities that are walkable and bikeable.

Before the state budget is approved, our government in Harrisburg must find a way to allocate the kind of dedicated public transportation funding that Pennsylvania really needs. The benefits are clear - for all kinds of communities and residents at every income level.

Improving public transportation is not a cure for all that ails us, but it is one of the best ways to invest in Pennsylvania and its people.

Peter Javsicas
Executive Director
Pennsylvanians for Transportation Solutions