Number C-01-01
01-16-01
U.S. Department
of Transportation |
Deputy Administrator |
400 Seventh St. S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20590 |
Federal Transit
Administration |
|
Dear Colleague:
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your dedicated efforts during my tenure as the Federal Transit Administration's Deputy Administrator and Acting Administrator. Your hard work in revitalizing American cities by helping to provide prosperous, livable communities is to be applauded.
Mobility has been what defines us a people by connecting us with work, school, community services and marketplaces. Clearly, transportation is more important than ever before. It is literally America's lifeline, linking resources with consumers and enabling each of us to expand our personal horizons and express our personal freedom.
Your commitment to mass transportation has resulted in a 16% annual increase in ridership in the past four years; nine billion trips in 1999, a record high; an increased annual investment from $3.8 billion in 1992 to almost $6 billion in 2000; over 40 Full Funding Grant Agreements signed or recommended in the President's Budget; and the best safety record in transportation.
These accomplishments would not be possible without the commitment, dedication and leadership you have provided to the people of this nation. It is indeed a testament of how far the transit industry has come. As we move forward in the 21st century, transportation will play an even greater role in how people work, attend school, and engage in recreational activities.
Transit is an industry that requires long hours on the job and a personal determination to improve transit service, even when faced with often difficult fiscal and policy decisions. But you make it happen - you get the bus on the road, the train onto the tracks - for which you should be proud.
I wish you every success, and as you continue your duties in the area of public service, I am confident that you will make an even greater contribution to those who rely on public transportation.
Sincerely,
Nuria I. Fernandez
Acting Administrator
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