Congressman Ron Kind says a new piece of legislation could bring $21 million to public transportation in Wisconsin.

Kind was in Eau Claire Monday morning. He talked about the importance of mass transit.

If the Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act passes, it would bring almost $400,000 to Eau Claire's Transit Services.

Transit Director Gwen Larson says the money would help stabilize fares and help keep up with peak hours in the afternoon.

Kind says bus transportation is important as gas prices keep rising.

"Just the short time that I’ve been here I've been able to talk to some of the riders, some of the bus drivers that work the routes. They say demand is through the ceiling right now and it has to be a viable option as we move forward given the energy crisis that we're facing,” says Rep. Kind

Kind says the legislation is a long term solution that gives people an alternative to driving.