The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration will infuse $20 million into 47 communities to improve public transportation. The funds are reserved for economically distressed areas and give priority to equity and sustainability.
"Transit is the great equalizer. Providing rides for those who do not have a car or cannot drive, and particularly in rural and Tribal areas, having access to an affordable, reliable bus ride can mean the difference between isolation and opportunity," FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez said in a news release from the department.
The FTA unveiled its transit plans July 20 with the goal of bolstering options for public transportation in regions grappling with long-term economic distress, according to the release.
Several communities were selected to receive funding for their innovative projects; however, the FTA highlighted four particular projects in its announcement. In Connecticut, the Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority will be granted $450,000 to undertake a planning analysis, specifically targeting communities that have historically lacked adequate transit services.
The authority plans to develop inclusive policy and planning processes that prioritize equity in transit investments, the release said. Moreover, it aims to implement a comprehensive fleet, facility and deployment plan, with the ultimate goal of transitioning its buses to zero-emission propulsion systems. To ensure the successful integration of these improvements, an educational program will be introduced to inform residents and business owners about the various transit and mobility options available to them.
Meanwhile, in Chicago, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has been allocated $778,500 to conduct a critical assessment regarding the reopening of the Englewood (Green) Line Racine station. This historic station closed approximately three decades ago and now is recognized as a potential catalyst for revitalizing the neighborhood, according to the release. With a focus on modern accessibility standards, the CTA aims to explore the station's potential impact on the community. By actively involving residents and advocates in the decision-making, they hope to maximize the benefits of improved transit access for the area.
Down in Mississippi, the Jackson Medical Mall Foundation is set to receive $612,684 to establish a comprehensive framework for expanding transportation options, the release said. Their innovative approach involves a community-based transportation model that allows residents to easily search, book and utilize available transit assets. The proposed plan seeks to enhance public transportation efficiency, with a particular emphasis on meeting the needs of individuals who lack access to essential services such as jobs, schools, health care and public amenities in Central Mississippi and throughout the state.
Lastly, the Cherokee Nation, located in Northeastern Oklahoma, will benefit from a grant of $576,188 to update its long-range transit plan. The Cherokee Nation aims to guide the planning, construction and deployment of future Tribal transit projects, the release reported. The review process will include a meticulous assessment of electric vehicle infrastructure to accommodate expansion plans, as well as a technology evaluation designed to improve user access for the tribe's 450,000 citizens.
