Sean Patrick Maloney: “the run-up in gas prices is squeezing families and sending them in search of cheaper alternatives to driving. As a…”

“the run-up in gas prices is squeezing families and sending them in search of cheaper alternatives to driving. As a result, our public transit authorities are also feeling the pinch as rising fuel costs and record ridership strain their systems. Almost half of bus operators and two-thirds of rail operators have been forced to raise their fares. Today, we are considering H.R. 6052, the Saving Energy through Public Transportation Act, which provides grants to mass transit systems to reduce fares and expand services for commuters. Using public transportation saves the average household more than $6,000 a year and reduces dangerous carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to global warming. Madam Chairman, I urge my colleagues to get on the bus and support this bill.”