INDIANA, PA — The Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee commenced its “Moving PA Forward by Investing in Roads, Bridges, and Transit” series on Wednesday with a meeting in Indiana County. The session aimed to shed light on the urgent need for public transportation in rural areas.
John R. Kanyan, Executive Director of the Indiana County Transit Authority, emphasized the importance of IndiGO, the local public transit system. He highlighted that IndiGO serves over 159,000 passengers annually, many of whom are seniors dependent on the service for essential medical treatments and daily activities.
State Rep. Ed Neilson, the majority chair of the House Transportation Committee, opened the meeting by discussing the multifaceted nature of Pennsylvania’s transportation sector. He pointed out that the state’s vast network of roads, highways, and bridges requires extensive repairs. He also mentioned other critical aspects, such as ensuring fair wages for transportation workers, maintaining airport operations, and providing robust public transit systems, all contributing significantly to Pennsylvania’s economic strength.
Public transportation systems across Pennsylvania’s 67 counties employ over 39,000 people and contribute approximately $5.4 billion annually to the state’s economy. These figures highlight the substantial economic impact and the critical role of public transit in ensuring community mobility.
The discussion also revisited Act 89 of 2013, which provided stable and reliable funding for Pennsylvania’s public transportation systems. This legislation has been essential in maintaining transit services across the Commonwealth, especially in rural areas where alternative transportation options are limited.
The Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee’s meeting in Indiana County aimed to set the stage for ongoing discussions aimed at enhancing the state’s transportation infrastructure to meet diverse needs.
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