Stand Up for Transportation Day calls attention to the infrastructure needs of U.S. transportation systems, the importance of infrastructure investment and the need for a long-term, sustainable surface transportation authorization bill.  The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) Act, which is the current federal surface transportation legislation, expires on May 31. 

As a major provider of design and engineering services for key metro transit systems across America, AECOM believes in the power of urban mobility and the importance of securing, modernizing and maintaining transportation infrastructure.  AECOM’s influence is part of the U.S. transit fabric, with approximately 40,000 employees in 465 U.S. cities and towns, and it has contributed to transportation work that has spurred community growth throughout the nation, including:

• AECOM was the lead designer on the Kiewit design-build team that delivered the US$374-million multimodal transit component for the Denver Union Station Transit Center Improvements.  The project transformed 42 acres of abandoned rail yards into the centerpiece of a reinvigorated real estate market and the focal point of activity in one of the nation’s busiest, most-dynamic urban environments. 
• AECOM has supported the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) and its predecessors since the 1950s.  AECOM has participated in the development of all 87 miles and 80 stations of the Metro rail system, including the red/purple, blue, green, gold, orange and expo lines, and is currently working on the regional connector, westside subway, eastside transit corridor phase 2 and expo phase 2.
• AECOM served as program manager for the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey’s multi-phased, US$9.4-billion redevelopment program at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) from 1987 to 2010.  The program reinforced JFK’s position as the nation’s premier international gateway and contributed to the long-term economic growth and vitality of the region.
• AECOM has served as the general consultant to the Illinois Tollway since 1954 — a partnership that began as Illinois introduced its very first toll roads.  AECOM also provided complete planning and design support to the Tollway to transform its toll collection system from a 40-year-old cash-only toll system to an interoperable state-of-the-art toll system with multi-lane free-flow lanes.

These projects and many others, large and small, for transit systems across the country, have created jobs for businesses as well as public agencies and contributed to growing sustainable communities.

“AECOM is excited to partner with APTA and our many clients in recognizing the current state of U.S. transportation systems and the need for planning for the future,” said Tom Bishop, AECOM president, design and consulting services, Americas. “Transportation systems are an effective engine for U.S. prosperity and growth, and securing a long-term federal funding bill will benefit America’s communities at the local level, by supporting their economies and creating short- and long-term job-growth opportunities.”

“As part of our work with APTA, AECOM is helping lead the conversation about the return on investment for transportation infrastructure,” added Diana Mendes, transit-rail director, design and consulting services, Americas.  ”An increase in funding for transportation infrastructure directly translates into growing sustainable communities and the transportation workforce by creating long-term opportunities to attract the best talent to our industry.”

To join the effort and learn more, please visit www.standup4transportation.org or engage on Twitter using #StandUp4Transportation or #SU4T.