Federal Transit Administration

(Photographs Courtesy of FTA, via social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter)

FTA: $343MM Available for Rail Transit Accessibility Projects

Transit agencies may now apply for Fiscal Year 2024 grants to improve subway, commuter rail and light rail system access for people with disabilities and mobility needs. The Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) is making available $343 million; applications are due by Jan. 30, 2024.

“We intend to make transit, one of the safest forms of surface transportation, even safer,” FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez said. “Giving oversight agencies the tools needed to make an impact is a critical step.”

FTA: Comments Welcome on Proposed Transit-Safety Oversight Rules

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on Nov. 15 reported that it is proposing new rules to “strengthen” U.S. rail transit oversight by giving State Safety Oversight Agencies (SSOAs) the right to inspect transit facilities without warning, and requiring SSOAs to collect metrics and data from the rail transit systems they oversee and to create inspection programs to decrease risk. Comments are due Jan. 16, 2024.

“Public transportation is the safest mode of surface transportation, but it can be even safer for both passengers and transit workers,” said FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez.

FTA Issues Proposed Changes to Certification Training Program

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on Oct.26 announced a proposed update to the Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program regulation that would “build upon existing training requirements for safety professionals in rail transit agencies and ensure that the training curriculum is more responsive to evolving industry needs.”

“Our new Multimodal Freight Office will lead coordination of our work to strengthen supply chains—including the FLOW data initiative helping companies and ports make better-informed decisions—so that they can move goods more efficiently and keep costs down for Americans," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

FTA Issues NOFO for ADCMS Program Lead (UPDATED)

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on Oct. 13 announced the opportunity to competitively apply for $5,093,000 under the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 and 2023 Public Transportation Innovation Program to serve as the Program Lead for the Accelerated Advanced Digital Construction Management Systems (ADCMS) program. Applications are due by Feb. 12, 2024.

“SacRT’s order of eight additional S700 LRVs is a testament to our shared dedication to providing trains that elevate the passenger experience, promote long-term sustainability, and enhance operational availability,” said Michael Cahill, President of Siemens Mobility in North America.

Siemens Lands Another SacRT LRV Order

Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) in California has selected Siemens Mobility to supply eight additional S700 low-floor LRVs (light rail vehicles) for its 43-mile, 53-station system, bringing the total number on order to 36.

FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez has been named as the recipient of LIT's 2023 Founders Award.
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People News: LIT, Trinity Metro

Latinos In Transit (LIT) names Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Administrator Nuria Fernandez as the recipient of this year’s Founders Award. Also, Trinity Rail names Reed Lanham as Vice President of Rail.