FTA Announces $9.9 Billion in Funding to Improve Public Transit Infrastructure

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The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has recently revealed its plan to allocate $9.9 billion in federal formula funding to enhance public transit infrastructure across the nation. This funding, a part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aims to support the maintenance and operation of trains, buses, and ferries, upgrade stations and tracks, plan and design new transit corridors, and provide accessibility for seniors and riders with disabilities.

According to U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, investing in public transit improves the daily lives of millions of Americans by making transportation easier, safer, and more affordable. He states, “The Biden-Harris administration is making the largest investment in public transit in U.S. history, including $9.9 billion announced today, to help communities improve public transit and expand it to reach more people than ever before.”

This partial-year funding for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 will be distributed based on statutory formulas and will cover the period from October 1, 2023, to March 1, 2024, while the federal government continues to operate under a Continuing Resolution. The allocated funds will be provided to state Departments of Transportation, Tribal nations, and urbanized areas to be used in transit systems.

FTA Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool emphasizes the significance of these funding increases, stating, “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides significant increases to transit funds across the country, from counties with just one van providing rides to systems operating hundreds of trains, buses, and ferries in the largest cities in America. Communities depend on this funding to start new projects, fix old infrastructure, and bring more fast, safe, convenient service.”

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To facilitate efficient planning and management of these funds, transit agencies and grant recipients can access the online apportionment tables to view the amounts allocated for various programs. This allows them to better plan for new projects, address repair backlogs, and ensure the long-term sustainability of their transit systems.

With this substantial investment, the U.S. government aims to enhance public transit nationwide, catering to the needs of communities of all sizes. The improved infrastructure will make transportation more accessible, reliable, and convenient, ultimately benefiting millions of Americans.

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