MTA Bill Includes Funds for Rail but Not Buses

The MTA’s plans for completion of the Metro Rail subway to North Hollywood and extensions to the Eastside and Mid-City were kept alive Tuesday when a congressional committee included the rail projects in a massive transportation bill.

But the six-year transit measure sent to the House floor by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee did not earmark money for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to buy new buses.

The committee’s inclusion of all of the MTA’s subway projects and none of its bus needs sparked an outcry from bus rider advocates who won a federal court order directing the MTA to take steps to reduce overcrowding and improve bus service.

“This is devastating,” said Eric Mann, head of the Bus Riders Union. “We were told that bus was the priority.”

MTA’s deputy chief Sharon Landers issued a statement expressing disappointment that MTA did not receive specific funding for purchases of new buses.

“Everyone knows that we need new equipment to upgrade our fleet and provide improved services to those who rely on our system,” she said. “We believe the federal government should recognize this need and we will pursue its support in the future.”

Landers praised the House committee’s decision to keep the Red Line subway to North Hollywood on a list of 98 rail projects nationwide that can compete annually for federal transportation funds.