GOP Rep. Mica: Increase in transit funding unlikely

Knowing that, public transportation advocates have been bracing for the worst. Mica’s statement indicates the additional transportation funding will not materialize. 

Transportation advocates are already on the defensive over the House-approved continuing resolution to fund the government, which would slash transit spending.

“The proposed cuts to public transportation and high-speed rail made by the House Appropriations Committee will lead to fewer American jobs, fewer safety improvements for public transit users, and will decrease our country’s ability to build for the future,” American Public Transportation President William Millar said in a statement when House Republicans revealed their initial budget proposal, H.R. 1, in February.

“None of these cuts makes sense.”

That measure decreased transit spending in some areas by as much as 22 percent, APTA said.