Will the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) restrict the eligibility of, or disfavor applications for, COVID-19 research demonstration grants if applicants are located in New York City; Portland, Ore.; or Seattle?
The Federal Transit Administration is awarding 25 projects in 17 states a share of approximately $8.5 million in funding through the Helping Obtain Prosperity for Everyone (HOPE) program.
![“The goal of this [new Public Transportation COVID-19 Research Demonstration Grant] program is to give transit agencies additional resources to address COVID-19-related concerns and share innovative measures to strengthen public confidence in public transportation,” FTA Deputy Administrator K. Jane Williams said.](https://www.railwayage.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/FTA-Williams-300x169.jpg)
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced the availability of $10 million through the new Public Transportation COVID-19 Research Demonstration Grant Program. The move follows transit agency requests that FTA support research addressing COVID-19-related operational challenges.
San Francisco Municipal Railway (MUNI) is phasing in fare inspection. While fare collection has not stopped during COVID-19, inspectors are returning to service this fall and becoming part of a larger ambassador program to provide customer assistance. This includes reminding riders that masks are required and to maintain physical distance. They will ultimately conduct fare inspection later this year, including citation issuance. MUNI is also implementing an upgraded Customer Information System from Cubic Transportation Systems that will use digital signage and an updated mobile app to provide real-time information, including estimates on vehicle occupancy.
The Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority in Phoenix has awarded Siemens Mobility a contract for 14 additional S700 light rail vehicles, primarily for the South Central Extension/Downtown Hub, now under construction. Also under way is Northwest Extension Phase II.
Former San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) CEO Paul Jablonski, who passed away suddenly May 10, has been inducted to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Hall of Fame “for his extraordinary contributions to public transportation, his dedication to advancing the industry and outstanding leadership over a 40-yearlong career.”
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has released a final rule to streamline its Project Management Oversight (PMO) for major capital projects.
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has issued a $1.2 billion grant for Bay Area Rapid Transit’s (BART) Transbay Corridor Core Capacity Program between Oakland and downtown San Francisco. It is the largest grant ever awarded to BART. The funding comes from FTA’s Capital Investment Grants (CIG) Program. The total project will cost $2.7 billion.
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) recently announced that 25 projects in 24 states, plus the territory of Guam, would share approximately $14 million in funding through its Accelerating Innovative Mobility (AIM) initiative.
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced a total of $400 million in federal funding to four transit infrastructure projects in Arizona, Indiana, Missouri and New Jersey.
