WHEREAS:
Affordable and reliable public transit is a vital service that connects working families with their communities and workplaces; and
WHEREAS:
AFSCME members protect, operate and maintain public transit systems and services around the country in places such as New York City, Los Angeles, the Bay Area, Albuquerque and others; and
WHEREAS:
The rise of ride-sharing platforms such as Uber and Via that rely on low-paid, non-union gig workers pose a continued challenge to transit systems. These platforms can compete directly with public transit, pulling riders away from bus and rail services; and
WHEREAS:
The global pandemic had an outsized and lasting impact on transit ridership — commuting patterns have shifted and telework has expanded. National public transit ridership has recovered only about 80% of pre-pandemic levels as of 2024. None of the largest transit systems in the U.S. have fully recovered. New York City’s MTA remains stalled at 68%, LA Metro at 77% and WMATA in Washington, D.C. sits at 83% of 2019 levels; and
WHEREAS:
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provided a 40% increase to transit funding for new capital investments and certain operating costs through fiscal year 2026, but open-ended, one-time operating aid from federal pandemic relief bills has largely expired; and
WHEREAS:
As a result of the collapse in ridership and the expiration of federal pandemic relief, many transit agencies face a fiscal cliff in the coming years that may require steep fare increases, cuts to existing service or layoffs.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That AFSCME and its affiliate unions will advocate for and support additional federal funding for public transit operations, allowing transit systems to weather the post-pandemic fiscal cliff, retain critically needed staff members and sustain and enhance service, in order to draw riders back to this vital public service; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME and its affiliates will encourage local and regional sources of dedicated funding for public transit where appropriate.
SUBMITTED BY: Lisa Palombi, Delegate
AFSCME Local 2626
Veronica L. Gunn, Delegate
AFSCME Local 3634
Council 36
California