President Biden and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration rolled out an investment of more than $20 billion in the nation’s transit.
According to an April 6 Department of Transportation news release, the FTA is outlining funding levels in apportionment tables that outline spending for 30 programs, boosted by 58 percent and enabling transportation entities to expand services and update fleets by replacing older vehicles to better serve residents in small and large communities. The release noted more than 65 percent of FTA finding distributions are outlined by the formulas unveiled by USDOT.
"Every day, transit connects millions of Americans to jobs, schools, groceries, hospitals, resources and countless other opportunities – all while helping to reduce pollution, congestion and traffic," Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in the news release. "Now, thanks to the President's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are making the largest investment in public transit in our nation's history."
According to the news release, fleets will be updated with environmentally friendly newer vehicles. A Buy-American requirement for projects that receive federal assistance will drive growth in U.S. manufacturing.
In addition to replacing aging vehicles, the funding will assist with transitions to new technologies and tackle backlogs, according to the news release.
"This funding will open more doors to Americans than ever before," said FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez. "Every time a door opens on a bus, a streetcar, a train or a ferry, it’s another chance to connect with our communities. With this announcement, we are also helping fulfill key Biden-Harris administration priorities by addressing equity, workforce and climate concerns and moving toward a clean, American-made transportation future."
