Potential Impact of Federal Transit Funding Cuts Discussed in Congressional Hearing
WASHINGTON – Concerns over the proposed elimination of federal funding for transit systems under Project 2025 were highlighted by Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) during a recent hearing. As a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Congressman Cohen questioned the implications of such cuts on working Americans dependent on public transportation.
In the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit’s review of federal transit policy, Congressman Cohen initiated discussions by probing how major cities and their residents, particularly those dependent on public transit for commuting to work, healthcare facilities, and essential services, would be affected by the reduction in federal support.
“It would be devastating,” stated Nathaniel P. Ford, CEO of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority, representing the American Public Transportation Association. Ford’s concerns were echoed by other witnesses, who emphasized the disproportionate impact on low-income populations and communities of color reliant on public transit systems.
In addition to expressing concerns, witnesses voiced support for legislation previously backed by Congressman Cohen, known as the Stronger Communities through Better Transit bill. This proposed legislation aims to establish a federal funding program dedicated to transit operations.
To view Congressman Cohen’s dialogue with the witnesses, click here.
The hearing featured several witnesses, including:
- Ms. Barbara K. Cline, Executive Director of Prairie Hills Transit, representing the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA);
- Mr. Matthew Booterbaugh, Chief Executive Officer of RATP Dev USA, on behalf of the North American Transit Alliance (NATA);
- Mr. Baruch Feigenbaum, Senior Managing Director of Transportation Policy at the Reason Foundation;
- Mr. Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD).
