WASHINGTON, D.C. –  U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) cheered today’s groundbreaking of Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority’s (SORTA) Glenway Crossing Transit Park & Ride. A representative of Brown’s office attended today’s ceremony.

“Expanding public transportation options is critical for connecting southwest Ohioans with schools, health care facilities, and employment opportunities,” Brown said. “Federal investments like this one in Glenway Crossing are investments in the economic development of our state and the future of southwest Ohioans.”

Funding for the construction on the Glenway Crossing Transit Park & Ride, the largest bus stop in Western Hills, was provided in part through the American Reinvestment and Recover Act of 2008 (ARRA). The project, which will connect several lines in serve as a major connector for several routes on the Westside of Cincinnati, is expected to begin operating in Fall 2011.

SORTA is a tax-supported, independent political subdivision of the State of Ohio and is a government entity. There are 59 transit systems in Ohio – a fleet that employs more than 5,200 workers. More than 4,200 of these Ohioans work in operational positions in transit systems that serve more than 200,000 people. According to the Ohio Department of Transportation, Ohio is 12th in the nation for public transit ridership.

Brown has been a longtime advocate of public transportation. In March 2010, Brown joined Ohio transit workers from across the state to outline legislation that would save transit jobs, prevent fare increases, and preserve mass transit service. His legislation would give transit agencies increased flexibility to use federal funds for operating assistance as well as capital investments helping to prevent layoffs and preserve access to affordable transit service.

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