Study says more public transport needed

WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 (UPI) -- The American Public Transportation Association Tuesday called for congressional approval of funding to head off a congestion crisis across the United States.

APTA's appeal came in response to the latest data released by the Texas Transportation Institute showing transit is successfully reducing traffic delays and costs in the 75 largest urban areas of the United States, reports said.

This year's study reports regular bus and train services in the country's most congested cities saved drivers more than one billion hours in travel time in 2001.

Without public transit, nationwide delays would have increased by nearly 30 percent, costing residents in the major urban areas studied an additional $21.2 billion in lost time and fuel, the report said.

"It is fitting that the TTI study on traffic congestion is being released the same day that the federal surface transportation program known as TEA 21 expires," said APTA president William Millar.

"Today's news is a forewarning for congress and the administration. If we fail to expand and modernize our public transportation systems, the growing gridlock in many urban areas will strangle economic progress and lessen the quality of life," Millar said.