Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-08), the highest ranking member from New York serving on the Transportation Committee, today urged his colleagues to adopt H.R. 6052, the Saving Energy through Public Transportation Act of 2008. That bill, expected to pass the House today, would give an additional $1.7 billion in grants to help mass transit authorities handle increasing ridership.

“Congress must support America’s public transportation systems,” said Rep. Nadler. “More and more Americans are turning to public transportation, especially at this time when the price of gasoline has hit $4 a gallon. This bill will help transit systems expand service, while also helping to create jobs and protect our environment.”

"We are grateful to Congressman Nadler and Chairman Oberstar for introducing this bill which highlights the need for increased transit investment,” said MTA Executive Director and CEO Elliot G. (Lee) Sander. "Investing in transit takes cars off of our roads, protects the environment and provides a critical option for commuters in a time of record gas prices."

H.R. 6052 would provide an extra $1.7 billion in federal grants to be dispersed over the next two years. These funds would be provided following the existing federal formula but the federal share would be increased to 100 percent. New York is estimated to receive an additional $237 million for transit service expansion.

“This bill will provide a much-need infusion of cash for the MTA,” said Rep. Nadler. “While it won’t fully fund the MTA’s capital plan, it should help the MTA complete some much-needed service enhancements. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and its passage will be a victory for the straphangers of New York City.”