MUNSTER, Ind. (AP) – A coalition of bus agencies and mass transit supporters are urging state lawmakers to boost funding for mass transit in Indiana's next 2-year budget.

A bill co-authored by Republican state Representative Ed Soliday of Valparaiso that's awaiting action in a House committee would increase mass transit funding to $60 million annually, up from the current $42.5 million where it's basically been frozen for seven years.

The coalition Accessing Community Transportation in Northwest Indiana includes the northwestern Indiana's North Township Trustee's Dial-A-Ride service. That service provided 46,000 rides last year, up from 36,000 rides in 2013 and 12,000 rides in 2012.

North Township Trustee Frank Mrvan tells the Munster Times “transportation is an economic engine'' that also creates mobility for the disabled and senior citizens.