A new report hints at a link between economic growth and investment in public transportation. The study released by the American Public Transportation Association shows 80 percent of private sector businesses surveyed indicated that the level of federal investment in public transit has a large influence on business revenue. Of those polled, 84 percent predicted revenue losses, while half said they would lay off employees if public transit funding dries up.
“As unemployment rates stay stubbornly high, public transportation is a smart investment that creates and supports jobs, while improving our communities,” said APTA President William Millar in a statement. In the past, the APTA has shown that every dollar invested in public transit yields $4 in economic returns, while every $1 billion invested creates or supports 36,000 jobs. For more, visit www.apta.com.