• Effective advocacy for public funding and regulatory policies which foster strong and stable transit systems, able to meet the mobility needs of their customers and communities;
• Providing mediums for exchange of ideas and experience, utilizing conferences, specialized programs, written communications, and telecommunications technology;
• Sponsoring general and specialized training programs to increase efficiency and effectiveness of its members;
• Increasing the understanding and awareness by the general public and elected and appointed officials at all levels of government of public transit's role in the transportation system, and of its ability to cost effectively achieve community objectives in economic growth, productivity improvement, energy efficiency, and environmental improvement;
• The development of quality, efficient, reliable transportation systems that meet the wants and diverse needs of New York State customers.

NYPTA involves all of its members in the work of the Association. The Association recognizes that broad participation by the managers, board members, and staff of each system will maximize the benefits of membership and contribute to a wider understanding of public transit's vital role in the quality of life in New York's communities.

• In 20 years, NYPTA has grown to be a viable organization and is recognized as the voice and advocate for public transit in New York State.
• NYPTA has achieved consensus on positions of concern to all public transit operators, small and large, urban and rural, upstate and downstate.
• In 1992, NYPTA established a headquarters in Albany and now has an established office in the Capital City’s downtown area.
• NYPTA’s legislative efforts have resulted in increased funding for the State’s public transit agencies.
• Communication and coordination within the state transit industry is stronger than ever before.
• NYPTA has consistently broken attendance records at its Fall and Spring Conferences and trade show, which offer timely training sessions on industry-wide issues.
• NYPTA has developed effective working relationships with state government officials, and has been an active participant in negotiations on major public transit policy issues.
• The Association continues to advocate for mechanisms for long-term, stable public transit funding.
• NYPTA has taken the lead in communicating the importance of public transit to the success of the State’s job access and other employment initiatives.
• In five years NYPTA grew from 35 members to over 165 members, and continues to grow in strength and numbers every year.
• NYPTA’s Small Systems Committee works in coordination with the NYS Department of Transportation to address the specific needs of the state’s rural and small transit operators.
• Members of NYPTA have been actively involved with development and evaluation of a number of alternative fuel strategies since 1987.
• NYPTA’s Business Partner members actively serve on the Board of Directors and all Association Committees, providing direct input on programs and policies.

• NYPTA has successfully implemented a tracking program that monitors all legislative activity impacting public transit and effectively mobilizes support or opposition.
• NYPTA has established a strong and effective working relationship with state budget officials and key legislative fiscal staff that provides NYPTA members with timely and detailed information on important budget issues.
• In the last five years NYPTA has successfully advocated for over $150 million in additional state funding for public transit operating assistance.
• As a result of NYPTA's advocacy efforts, there has been a double digit increase in New York State's operating assistance to transit systems statewide, which has allowed most systems to limit fares and maintain or even expand service.
• NYPTA has advocated successfully for a public transportation capital program that will provide $2.7 billion of State support for fiscal years 2004 through 2008. This includes $2.5 billion for the MTA capital program and $157 million for other transit systems throughout the State.
• New York continues to provide more operating aid for public transportation than any other state thanks to NYPTA's continued advocacy and its strong relationship with state officials.
• Public transit has provided over 50 billion trips in New York State since 1974, and the 20% increase in ridership since 1995 is directly related to the fare and service stability resulting from added state operating aid.
• NYPTA's strong advocacy program provides members with direct contact and networking with key New York State decision makers including the Governor's office, Legislators, Commissioners and NYSDOT officials.