FTA to Allocate $14B in COVID Relief for Public Transportation

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) reported that it will allocate $14 billion to public transportation systems under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 (CRRSAA) (H.R. 133). CRRSAA directs recipients to prioritize payroll and operational needs.

Outgoing President Donald J. Trump signed the $2.3 trillion omnibus spending bill—which includes a $900 billion COVID-19 emergency relief package with $14 billion for transit, as well as government appropriations for fiscal year 2021—late on Dec. 27, 2020. In April 2020, FTA allocated $25 billion, via the CARES Act, to help the nation’s public transportation systems respond to COVID-19.

The $14 billion in new funding will be allotted to recipients of urbanized area and rural area formula funds, with $13.27 billion allocated to large and small urban areas, $678.2 million allocated to rural areas and tribes, and $50 million allocated for the enhanced mobility of seniors and individuals with disabilities, according to FTA. Similar to the CARES Act, the supplemental funding will be provided at 100% federal share, with no local match required.

FTA is providing answers to frequently asked questions on its website and said it will be hosting a webinar series to offer more details.

“We know that many of our nation’s public transportation systems continue to face challenges due to COVID-19, and these supplemental funds will help ensure that safe transit services remain available for riders traveling to jobs, health care and other essential services in communities across America,” FTA Deputy Administrator K. Jane Williams said.