PIERRE –U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) today welcomed Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to Pierre, for the grand opening of the newly expanded River Cities Public Transit facility. Secretary LaHood traveled to South Dakota at the invitation of Senator Johnson, who is Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.  The Committee is responsible for oversight of the
nation’s public transportation policy and authorizing transit funding. 

“Transit providers like River Cities Public Transit connect South Dakotans with their jobs, their communities, and vital services like health care and education,” said Senator
Johnson. “Rural bus systems provide affordable and accessible transportation for communities throughout South Dakota and Indian Country. It’s an honor to welcome Secretary LaHood to South Dakota, and I look forward to working with him to improve transportation options for all Americans.”  

“As more people turn to public transit, it’s important that we continue to provide a safe, affordable and convenient option for them. The $5 million in improvements to this facility will help to replace aging buses and minivans and will improve transit for the
area’s veterans,” said Secretary LaHood. “The Obama Administration is committed
to bringing more good transportation choices to rural South Dakota, as well as
small towns and tribal lands across the country.”

“River Cities Public Transit’s expanded facility has added many new features that will enhance our ability to provide service to an ever growing demand for public transit,” said RCPT Executive Director Ron Baumgart. “With the new facility, we will be able to
provide safe and reliable transportation in central South Dakota for years to come.” 

Senator Johnson and Secretary LaHood were joined at the event by federal and area officials including Federal Transit Administration head Peter Rogoff, South Dakota Transportation Secretary Darin Bergquist, Pierre Mayor Laurie Gill, Fort Pierre Mayor Sam Tidball, River Cities Public Transit Executive Director Ron Baumgart.

River Cities Public Transit’s facilities and capabilities were expanded with the help of $5 million in federal funds. The updated facility includes a new dispatch center, offices,
and a bus garage, and will provide over 300,000 annual rides to residents of Pierre as well as 11 neighboring counties and the Cheyenne River Sioux and Lower Brule Sioux reservations. 

Earlier this year, Senator Johnson authored a public transportation bill which was passed and signed into law with bipartisan support. The new law expands transit funding for rural states, and will increase South Dakota’s guaranteed transit funding by an estimated $4 million compared with fiscal year 2012, an increase of 44%.

A top priority for Senator Johnson is strengthening transit services in small communities and rural areas.  In a large state with low population density, rural providers cover many miles and have increased wear-and-tear on vehicles.  Senator Johnson’s bill recognizes those challenges and modifies the rural formula to increase the weight placed on land area and the level of service provided, boosting South Dakota’s share. South Dakota’s rural bus systems help people stay in their communities as they age or develop specialized medical needs, by providing affordable transportation options in rural areas as well as cities.