The average price of regular gasoline in the United States has reached approximately four dollars per gallon, nearly double what it was just three years ago. The days of cheap gas are over, and people are looking for ways to reduce their transportation costs. There is no better way to do that than by riding public transportation, and Americans are responding in record numbers as bus, light rail, subway, and commuter rail ridership continues to rise. Americans took 2.6 billion trips on public transportation in the first three months of 2008, nearly 85 million more trips than last year for the same time period.  

However, the increase in transit ridership is putting a huge strain on transit agencies. Despite running at or near capacity, the increase in diesel fuel costs has caused most systems to raise fares and consider cuts in service. When combined with the increased cost of health care and other insurance, many systems have scant resources for operations. 

If Americans used public transportation for roughly 10% of their daily travel needs, the U.S. would reduce its dependence on imported oil by more than 40%, or nearly the amount of oil the U.S. imports from Saudi Arabia each year, according to a recent study. In fact, increased use of public transportation is the single most effective way to reduce America's energy consumption. 

The "Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act of 2008," would provide $1.7 billion to transit agencies through a formula nationwide. As introduced, the bill limited eligibility to transit systems that lowered fares or increased service levels. However, in response to ATU’s request, the U.S. House of Representatives amended the bill (H.R. 6052) to include language that opens up eligibility to all transit systems for the purpose of paying for fuel. The bill passed the House on June 26, 2008 by a vote of 322-98.