Federal Transit Administration Archives

The new Bramalea GO Station building opened in 2021. (Metrolinx photo)

May 16, 2023
Passenger

Transit Briefs: APTA, Amtrak F+B Working Group, Arup, Metrolinx, NJ Transit/UITP/Rutgers CAIT

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) “strongly urges” public transit agencies to obligate remaining COVID-19 funds as soon as possible. Also, the Amtrak Food & Beverage Working Group sends recommendations to Congress after year-long analysis of Amtrak onboard service; Arup supports Metrolinx plans to electrify Canada’s largest commuter rail network; construction is now complete at Metrolinx’s Bramalea GO Station; and registration is now open for first courses at the International Association of Public Transport’s (UITP) North American Regional Training Center hosted by NJ Transit and Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT).

"These grants will help bring riders faster, safer, more reliable service on America’s rails," said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg.

May 05, 2023
Regulatory

FTA: More Than $700MM to Replace Aging Passenger Railcars in Six States

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s federal Transit Administration (FTA) on May 5 announced the selection of six projects in six states to replace aging passenger railcars, “improving reliability, safety, and accessibility on the nation’s rail transit systems.”

“No one should go to work or ride transit worried that they won’t come home safely, and FTA is committed to making that ideal a reality,” FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez said.

April 26, 2023
Regulatory

FTA Proposes Requirements to Improve Transit Worker Safety

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on April 26 issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on new safety requirements that would protect transit workers and riders. Comments are due June 26, 2023.

“Transit formula funding provides a lifeline for communities, and this record level of support will help create jobs, provide mobility to more people and address the climate crisis," said FTA Administrator Nunia Fernandez.

April 14, 2023
Regulatory

FTA: More Than $14B to Support Public Transportation

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on April 13 announced that $14 billion is being invested in states and transit agencies across the U.S. to help improve public transportation, meeting local goals, such as upgrading stations and tracks, transitioning to next-generation buses, planning and designing new transit corridors, ad providing specialized service for seniors and riders with disabilities.

GAO reviewed eight projects funded by FTA’s Capital Investment Grants program. Two reported that actual ridership was about 30% lower than predicted “due to overly optimistic travel model assumptions.” According to all eight project sponsors, “transit ridership declined precipitously at the start of the pandemic. In most cases, recovery has been slow. Sponsors said they expect ridership to continue to be lower than pre-pandemic levels, given the current trend of remote work.”

April 13, 2023
Regulatory

Pandemic Complicates Transit Project Ridership Predictions, GAO

For projects funded through the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Capital Investment Grants program, predicting ridership has been complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO).

April 13, 2023
Regulatory

FHWA Issues RFI to Improve Surface Transportation Project Environmental Review Process

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) on April 12 announced a Request for Information (RFI) seeking public comment on environmental review processes that can be improved under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

March 27, 2023
Regulatory

FTA: $212.3MM Available for Emergency Relief Funding

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced March 27 that $212,301,048 in grants are available to apply for under the Public Transportation Emergency Relief Program (Emergency Relief Program) for states, territories, local government authorities, Indian tribes, and other FTA recipients affected by major declared disasters in calendar years 2017, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

SEPTA’s King of Prussia Rail project would have extended the existing Norristown High Speed Line (NHSL) four miles into King of Prussia, providing a “one-seat” ride from any station along the NHSL. (SEPTA Rendering)

March 20, 2023
Commuter/Regional

SEPTA: KOP Rail Project on Hold

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is sidelining the King of Prussia Rail Project, citing its “further review of rising costs, which have been exacerbated by inflation and high interest rates.” This follows

March 09, 2023
Regulatory

FTA: $4.45B for Major Transit Projects

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on March 9 announced that 18 large transit projects in 11 states across the U.S. were recommended to receive $4.45 billion for construction by U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

March 06, 2023
Passenger

Transit Briefs: NYMTA/LIRR, SEPTA

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) rolls out modifications to Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Grand Central Madison train service. Also, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) officials express concern about the quality of work performed by China Railway Rolling Stock Corp. (CRRC).