(Warwick, R.I.)–Congressman Jim Langevin today announced that the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority has been awarded $2,724,345 from the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Job Access and Reverse Commute Program.  The funds were included in the Fiscal Year 2003 Consolidated Appropriations Resolution, which Langevin supported.

 DOT reports that the federal funds will be used for the continued improvement of public transportation to suburban and rural industrial parks, low-income areas and other areas of concentrated employment.

 “These federal funds will enable RIPTA to provide low-cost transportation to those seeking better employment opportunities,” said Congressman Langevin.  “Obstacles such as lack of personal transportation should not discourage Rhode Islanders from obtaining gainful employment.  Thanks to RIPTA and the DOT, new doors will open for those seeking a better quality of life.”

 In support of the federal funding, Langevin wrote to Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Harold Rogers (R-KY) and Ranking Member Congressman Martin Sabo (D-MN) stating:

 “Public transit has proven to be a fine alternative to automobile commuting, but it is also an essential form of transportation for traditionally underserved residents and communities. Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) has developed a Jobs Access/Reverse Commute program to provide working mothers and low-income workers with reliable transportation to and from employment. RIPTA has established two routes, which have met with great success. The R.I. program has received past support from Congress, and I hope that you continue your commitment to this worthy initiative.”
 
 According to the DOT, the Job Access and Reverse Commute grant program assists states and localities in developing new or expanded transportation services that connect welfare recipients and other low-income persons to jobs and other employment related services. Job Access projects are targeted at developing new or expanded transportation services such as shuttles, vanpools, new bus routes, connector services to mass transit, and guaranteed ride home programs for welfare recipients and low income persons. Reverse Commute projects provide transportation services to suburban employment centers from urban, rural and other suburban locations for all populations.

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