The Stronger Communities Through Better Transit Act (H.R. 7039), would transform transit nationwide with $80 billion in additional operations funding. That would be a major shift as the federal government has historically targeted its investments into infrastructure projects, leaving states and local governments to fund their own transit operations. Basically – the federal government would help agencies buy buses, but not hire drivers or help with maintenance.

Over 4 years, California would likely receive over $12 billion from this bill and the Bay Area could get upwards of $5 billion. That would be enough to stop all transit cuts being considered and instead dramatically increase service frequency and reliability for all of the Bay Area’s 27 transit agencies.

If your Bay Area Congress Member is listed below they have not signed on as a co-sponsor and we need they need to hear from you ASAP.

Here is a script you can use, but feel free to make it your own:

Hi, my name is _______ and I am a resident of _____. I urge you to be a co-signer of Representative Johnson’s Stronger Communities Through Better Transit Act which will add $80 billion nationwide for transit operations over 4 years. This means more frequent and reliable service in my community.

[Tell your legislator why this is important for you personally – what would more frequent transit service mean for you?]

Public transportation is vital for achieving so many of California’s goals from justice to climate to housing to economic growth. Our bus and train systems are struggling and these funds will help provide a stable lifeline that will propel transit ridership to the next level. Thank you and I hope you sign on!