Airports, Transit Agencies Request Emergency Funds

Airports, Transit Agencies Request Emergency Funds

Construction continues on transportation projects throughout the U.S., but transit and airport groups have called for federal aid in the wake of rapidly decreased revenue from falling ridership due to the coronavirus, with warning of potential long-term erosion of capital programs. The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) on March 17 requested from Congress $12.9 billion for public transit agencies and passenger railroads. On March 18, Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) and the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) urged Congress to provide America’s airports with the resources needed to deal with the unprecedented COVID-19 challenge. In the New York City metro area, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) requested $4 billion in federal aid. In a letter to New York’s congressional delegation, MTA Chairman and CEO Patrick Foye said the MTA faces a “financial calamity.” Daily ridership has fallen 60% on subways, 49% on buses, 90% on MTA Metro-North Railroad and 67% on MTA Long Island Rail Road.

https://www.enr.com/articles/48955-airports-transit-agencies-request-emergency-funds

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