For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
John-Paul Paonessa
(773) 524-2440
jp.paonessa@freedmanseating.com
April 9, 2015
Chicago, IL — 4ONE today called upon Congress to renew funding for the federal transportation bill, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), which is set to expire on May 31, 2015. Without consistent, long-term federal transportation funding, communities and states cannot plan and complete new projects, or even adequately maintain the infrastructure they already have.
On the national level a new analysis from APTA (American Public Transportation Association) shows that more than $227 billion in economic productivity is at risk to the nation’s economy over the next six years without long-term federal investment in public transit.
“I am deeply concerned about the uncertainty we face without long-term, sustainable investment in public transportation,” said Ray Melleady, Managing Director, North America for USSC Group.. “Without a long-term federal funding bill, it is impossible for us to plan for the future, even as we struggle to keep our transportation services in a state of good repair. 4ONE strongly urges the U.S. Congress to enact a new multi-year authorization bill that provides dedicated funding through the Highway Trust Fund to help grow our local economy.”
With the future of America’s public transportation and road network in jeopardy, 4ONE joined transportation and community leaders from across the country for “Stand Up for Transportation Day.” Sponsored by APTA, with support from national and local partners from various transportation modes, business and community oriented interests, Stand Up for Transportation Day united more than 240 participating organizations in communities across the country to urge federal officials to support the passage of a long-term, sustainable and reliable federal transportation funding bill.
The American Public Transportation Association noted the the nation faces a $160 billion backlog just to bring public transit and road systems into a state of good repair. The lack of a long-term federal funding bill creates local funding uncertainty which jeopardizes transportation project planning and discourages private sector investment. With a lack of a commitment on the federal level, that stifles local business investment and job creation, APTA notes.
“A long-term federal commitment to our public transportation and road infrastructure is needed in order to create jobs and boost economic development right here in Chicago,” said Dan Cohen, Executive Vice President for Freedman Seating. “The transportation system is the life blood of the community and it connects employers to employees and provides a vital connection for people from all walks of life.”
To learn more about Stand Up for Transportation Day please visit www.standup4trasnportation.org.
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4ONE
4ONE is a joint venture between USSC and Freedman Seating Company, a leading designer and maker of heavy duty passenger seats for city bus, motor coach and rail markets.
USSC Group
USSC designs and engineers world-class seating for many types of vehicles. As an industry leader, USSC continues to develop the most durable and ergonomically designed seats to reduce day-to-day driver fatigue and stress. USSC is a privately held company with 12 locations throughout the world.
Freedman Seating Company
Freedman Seating has become a leading supplier to the US domestic bus and transportation industry. Manufacturing seats for buses, Freedman Seating supplies the major OEMs, over 250 bus distributors, the federal government, and many states and municipalities. The family of Freedman Seating bus seats includes products for small and mid-size coaches, paratransit vans and buses, public transit buses, and private bus operators.