WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee unanimously approved the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012.  The two-year reauthorization of federal public transportation programs will provide Rhode Island over $30.5 million in federal mass transit funding in 2012, an increase of more than 10% ($3.7 million) over last year.

“This is a smart investment to help keep public transportation systems operating and drive our economy forward,” said Reed, a member of the Banking Committee, which is responsible for authorizing urban mass transit systems.  “With more Rhode Islanders depending on public transportation, this federal aid will help give RIPTA the resources it needs to provide equipment for safe and reliable service.”

The legislation includes a provision backed by Senator Reed to allow larger transit systems serving areas with high unemployment to use a portion of their federal funding to pay for operations for two years – three if unemployment worsens.  Currently, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) and other large transit systems are prohibited from using their federal funding for operations.  This will provide a temporary opportunity for transit agencies to maintain service during tough economic times. 

The bill also includes “New Starts” provisions that will help streamline the process for the federal approval of new projects and fund projects designed to increase capacity on existing systems, rather than just allow new systems or new lines. 

“I am pleased we were able to get bipartisan, unanimous agreement to fund mass transit and cut red tape to ensure transit projects can move forward quickly.  I hope the full Senate will swiftly approve this measure,” said Reed.

The bill must now be approved by the full Senate as part of an overall surface transportation bill.