Public Policy
With over 6,000 public transportation agencies in the U.S. providing nearly 10 billion passenger trips per year, the proliferation and utilization of public transit modes is on the rise. In Altoona, AMTRAN provides 700,000 passenger trips each year, carrying citizens and visitors alike to destinations throughout our community.
AMTRAN believes that several factors will continue to spur the growth of public transportation, including:
- Volatile gasoline prices and US dependence on foreign oil supplies
- Increasing concerns about the impact of car emissions on the environment
- Advancements on low-emission and no emissions public transit vehicles
- Demographic shifts that will bring a huge wave of baby boomer retirees to the doors of public transit vehicles
- A dramatic increase in the need for demand response service for seniors and persons with disabilities
Public transportation services impact nearly every aspect of American life. From access to jobs, healthcare, education and basic everyday mobility, public transportation plays a vital role in communities across our country. Creating and sustaining public transportation services require huge investments on the part of local, state and federal governments, and the decisions made at every level of government can either help or hinder our ability to provide quality transportation services.
In Altoona, AMTRAN is dedicated to working with government officials to ensure that our public transportation infrastructure receives its fair share of attention. There are, however, lots of other transportation priorities, including roadways, bridges, tunnels, and scores of other programs that require ongoing funding sources. In addition to government funding sources, transit agencies contribute to their own economic well-being through the fares collected. Farebox recovery, or the percentage of operating revenue covered by passenger fares, is a common measuring stick used to gauge the success and effectiveness of transit agencies. To the extent that AMTRAN can attract and maintain a growing customer base, we can better demonstrate our effectiveness and create political advocates who recognize the importance of healthy public transit systems.
So, how can you take an active part in the public policy decisions that affect public transit in Altoona? Well, you can:
- Ride AMTRAN as often as possible (if you don't already);
- Be knowledgeable about the issues that impact AMTRAN and its funding sources through our web site News Room;
- Call or visit the AMTRAN offices and learn more about our system, fleet and staff who operate your local public transportation system;
- Contact your local, state or federal government officials using the links provided below and let them know that AMTRAN is important to you and your family.
Thank you for your interest in ensuring that AMTRAN continues to grow and expand to meet the changing public transportation needs of Altoona. As always, thank you for riding AMTRAN!
Public Policy Links
