Introducing the "Core Capacity" Amendment

WASHINGTON - This week, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) delivered the following statement in support an amendment to increase adding new core capacity grants within the FTA’s Capital Investment Program, which he offered during the Appropriations Committee markup of the FY 2014 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Bill.

Video and a transcript of his full prepared remarks are included below.

Note: Rep. Quigley begins speaking at the 1:00 mark.

Mr. Chairman, As many of us know, transit ridership is increasing all throughout the country. With gas prices, congestion, and parking rates at all-time highs, people are electing to commute more by buses and trains. Since 1994, transit ridership has increased by 32% - that is an increase of 2.5 billion rides. And this upward ridership trend shows no signs of slowing down.

In cities like mine, transit plays an incredibly vital role. I hear about this virtually every day from my mayor. You may remember him folks, he says he sends his best regards to all of you.We rely on our public transit system everyday to get us to work in the morning and home safely at night, but transit provides so much more to a city like Chicago, home of the World Champion Chicago Blackhawks.

Public transportation reduces carbon emissions, provides economic opportunities, enhances personal mobility and freedom, and saves people money. Unfortunately though, many of our country’s largest cities’ transit systems are old and crumbling. They are at capacity and struggling to meet the increase in transit demand.

The passage of MAP-21 promised to inject much needed federal dollars into our transit systems, adding new core capacity grants within the FTA’s Capital Investment Program. Core Capacity was designed to fund projects that repair critical infrastructure and add capacity to existing transit lines.That means that projects that add infill stations, double or triple track a rail line, or expand platforms to allow for longer trains, can avail themselves of federal funding.

For example, in my district, the Chicago Transit Authority plans to double capacity on its Red Line that runs north and south. It carries 300,000 rides each day, is at capacity, and riders often have to wait for one or two packed trains to pass before they can board. By doubling capacity, the CTA will be able to handle current and future demand in a rapidly growing corridor.

But while MAP-21 authorized this new “Core Capacity” provision, the bill we are considering today provides for no funding at all for core capacity grants. That is why I am offering this amendment to add $120 million to the New Starts program to fund Core Capacity projects.

At a time when Americans are relying on our transit systems more than ever before, I recognize that after the last vote, this is again going down in a blazing ball of martyrdom, but I would appreciate your support.