"America Builds: A Review of Our Nation's Transit Policies and Programs"

This subcommittee meeting was convened to delve into critical issues surrounding the nation's public transportation programs and policies, with a view toward the upcoming multi-year surface transportation bill. Discussions encompassed a range of topics, including substantial federal investments, evolving ridership trends, safety and crime concerns, and the imperative for operational efficiency and regulatory reform across both urban and rural transit systems[ 00:35:11-00:35:24 ]

[ 00:37:57-00:37:57 ] .

Themes

Funding and Investment in Public Transit

The subcommittee recognized historic federal investments in public transportation, with nearly $180 billion directed since 2020 through supplemental COVID funding and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)[ 00:36:09-00:36:09 ]

. Despite this, concerns were raised about ridership not fully recovering to pre-pandemic levels and the efficiency of fund utilization, especially given a reported $152 billion backlog for state of good repair[ 00:36:13 ] [ 00:37:01-00:37:11 ] . Witnesses highlighted public transit's role as a significant economic driver, noting that every dollar invested generates five dollars in long-term economic benefits and supports millions of jobs, predominantly within the private sector. There was a call for sustained federal support and greater flexibility in using funds for operational expenses, rather than strictly capital projects, to avoid financial instability[ 01:29:47-01:29:57 ] . Opposition was voiced against proposals like "Project 2025" to eliminate federal transit support, with warnings of devastating impacts on community access to essential services.

Safety, Security, and Crime

A prominent concern was the increase in crime and assaults affecting both transit workers and passengers, with assault-related injuries rising by 232% over the last decade and operator assaults by 121%[ 01:48:45-01:48:46 ]

. While public transportation is often cited as safer than driving in terms of accidents, the escalating crime rates were acknowledged as a deterrent to ridership and a risk to staff[ 00:36:18-00:36:20 ] [ 01:12:45 ] . Proposed solutions included implementing physical barriers for operators, increasing security presence, deploying advanced technologies like AI for risk identification, and providing de-escalation training[ 01:18:22 ] . Concerns were raised that withholding federal funds ostensibly for safety reasons could paradoxically jeopardize safety by limiting critical investments in infrastructure and security[ 01:19:51-01:19:54 ] .

Ridership Trends and Service Adaptation

Current ridership levels range from 77% to 84% of pre-pandemic figures, though rural transit systems have seen a stronger recovery, reaching 108%[ 00:36:13 ]

. Factors contributing to ridership decline included the shift to remote work, pandemic restrictions, and increased crime[ 00:35:31-00:35:34 ] [ 01:10:03 ] [ 01:09:22 ] . Transit agencies are responding by redesigning bus networks, expanding service, utilizing microtransit, and increasing contracted services to adapt to changing community needs and improve efficiency[ 00:37:31-00:37:34 ] . There was also discussion about whether ridership alone is the most appropriate metric for measuring a transit system's overall health[ 00:37:39-00:37:49 ] .

Operational Efficiency and Regulatory Streamlining

The potential for private contractors to enhance efficiency, safety, and innovation was highlighted, with more than half of U.S. transit agencies already engaging contracted services[ 01:01:44-01:02:00 ]

. New technologies, such as autonomous vehicles (AVs) and artificial intelligence (AI), are being explored to optimize service delivery and reduce costs, especially for addressing first-mile/last-mile challenges[ 01:45:34 ] . A bipartisan consensus emerged on the need to right-size regulatory burdens, particularly the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, to expedite project delivery, reduce costs, and alleviate administrative strain on smaller agencies. Specific recommendations included standardizing federal match rates for rural operating funds and streamlining processes for vehicle procurement and data collection[ 02:05:04-02:05:10 ] .

Workforce Issues and Labor Protections

Transit workers were acknowledged as essential, having faced significant risks during the pandemic and continuing to contend with challenges such as violent assaults. The importance of workforce development, including comprehensive training and upskilling programs, was underscored, with a suggestion to increase dedicated funding for these initiatives. Concerns were raised regarding the potential impact of automation on jobs, emphasizing the need for policies that prioritize retraining and prevent worker displacement. The vital role of 13C protections in safeguarding middle-class jobs, ensuring fair compensation, and maintaining a stable, qualified workforce was highlighted[ 02:31:11 ]

. Attempts to undermine collective bargaining rights were criticized as detrimental to worker advocacy and safety.

Addressing Urban and Rural Transit Needs

The distinct challenges confronting rural and urban transit systems were a recurring discussion point[ 00:37:23 ]

. Rural agencies often struggle to compete with larger urban systems for federal funding, frequently receiving a disproportionately smaller share[ 01:42:43 ] [ 01:42:47 ] [ 01:43:13 ] . These systems contend with unique geographic and demographic hurdles, operating across vast areas with sparse populations[ 00:43:49-00:43:53 ] . A specific regulatory concern for rural systems is the 50% local match requirement for operating funds, in contrast to the 20% required for larger systems, which impedes service expansion[ 02:55:27 ] . Success stories in rural transit, such as Prairie Hills Transit achieving 108% of pre-pandemic ridership, showcased innovation and community reliance, often sustained through private/public partnerships and diverse funding streams[ 01:43:17 ] .

Tone of the Meeting

The prevailing tone of the meeting was serious and concerned, particularly regarding the financial sustainability, safety, and operational efficiency of public transit systems[ 00:36:18-00:36:20 ]

[ 00:37:01-00:37:11 ] . There was a general acknowledgment of the vital role public transit plays in communities and the significant federal investments made[ 00:42:52 ] . Members conveyed a sense of urgency for actionable reforms and the effective utilization of taxpayer dollars[ 00:37:01-00:37:11 ] . While partisan differences emerged on specific policy approaches and interpretations of funding impacts, a shared desire for bipartisan solutions to improve transit was evident, especially concerning regulatory streamlining and worker safety[ 03:32:15-03:32:35 ] . Appreciation was extended to the witnesses for their insights and expertise[ 00:43:34 ] [ 01:11:17 ] .

"America Builds: A Review of Our Nation's Transit Policies and Programs"

Summary