The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration announced $25 in grant funding for transit agencies across the U.S. to help restore and improve services impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a June 2 news release, funding comes through the Biden administration's American Rescue Plan and will help 50 transit agencies in 24 states to provide better service, increase ridership and reduce travel times.
"Throughout the pandemic, our transit agencies and the essential workers who operate them have kept this country moving – ensuring people could continue to get to work, school, medical appointments and more," U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in the release. "Now, thanks to President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, they will have the resources they need to better serve riders across the country."
The grant awards will allow local transit agencies to increase available routes and provide a better service for Americans who depend on public transportation, the release reported. Transit agencies can apply for grants through the FTA's Route Planning Restoration Program.
"The Route Restoration Program will greatly assist transit agencies nationwide in eliminating barriers and increasing equity in underserved communities," FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez said, according to the release. "COVID-19 drastically altered how transit systems operate, and these funds will provide an opportunity for them to take a fresh look at their systems and routes, to ensure that everyone has access to transportation."
Grant funding will seek to strengthen transit service for low-income riders and disadvantaged communities to improve travel options to get to jobs, school and health care, according to the release.
