Federal Transit Administration

FTA grantees subject to the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plans regulation…we want to hear from you! Stakeholders who received Technical Assistance Center support, used PTASP resources or attended a PTASP webinar in 2023 are invited to take a brief survey by to share your thoughts on what works well and what new resources would be helpful to meet the regulation requirements. Provide input by 5/30: tinyurl.com/2p9d9c25

Did you know? In 1972, the Transpo ’72 exhibition opened at Dulles International Airport outside Washington, DC. Sponsored by @USDOT, the event treated more than 1 million visitors to exhibits featuring innovative transportation technologies—from the interstates to the subway tracks. Urban transportation fans could explore designs for new transit vehicles funded by FTA, including the U.S. standard light rail vehicle and a prototype transit bus. They marveled at futuristic automated people-mover systems being installed at the University of West Virginia and DFW airport. Former FTA Administrator Carlos Villarreal marked the agency’s “entry into the space age of mass transportation.” While not all technologies on display went into wide use, Transpo ’72 marked a moment of confidence and optimism about public transportation’s positive impact on American communities.

Chicagoland commuters will be treated to a special collection of eye-catching, colorful works of art reflecting the local neighborhoods around the Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn and Bryn Mawr L stations. Chicago Transit Authority plans to install pieces by 5 award-winning artists as part of the $2.1 billion Red and Purple modernization project. The visual displays will add to the rider experience, along with increased accessibility, wider platforms and updated signage. tinyurl.com/y6aew6ux

Mt. Vernon, WA has become the first recipient of a federal loan to build a multi-use transit-oriented development. The city received $26.8 million in low-cost financing through USDOT’s Build America Bureau for a $53 million development that includes a library, community center, commercial kitchen and EV chargers. The half-block-long project is a short walk from the Skagit Station, a bus, rail and commuter hub 60 miles north of Seattle. Construction is expected to be completed this summer. tinyurl.com/5795v5xb

Let us know your thoughts! Comment on FTA’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on safety improvements for transit rail workers by May 24. tinyurl.com/ms68vmfn

Join FTA at a May 21 webinar highlighting the new Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program final rule. Following @USDOT’s new modernized and streamlined DBE regulations, FTA will outline new provisions for small and medium-sized transit agencies that receive federal support ($670K or less in annual funds). Register to attend. tinyurl.com/yc22vs8y

Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool joined METRO Regional Transit Authority as a guest on their Outside the Bus podcast to cover how FTA support has improved bus service throughout the nation. Check it out to hear more!

SunRail in Central Florida recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. The commuter rail opened on May 1, 2014, traveling 32 miles with 12 stations. The system now connects 16 stations across 49 miles in Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Osceola counties. A new station in DeLand is set to open this summer. Happy anniversary to SunRail and thank you for your service!

Congrats to NJ TRANSIT for reaching the halfway point of completing the Portal North Bridge project. A new two-track bridge will replace the current 114-year-old bridge with a modern, high-level fixed structure, improving safety and providing more reliable service for commuters who travel between New Jersey and New York. FTA supported the project with $926 million, including $766.5 million through the Capital Investment Grants program. tinyurl.com/yt93466x

As part of our work to encourage transit agencies to reduce environmental impacts and increase efficiency through environmentally sound practices, FTA re-launched the Environmental and Sustainability Management System Program. The ESMS program, which helps agencies develop and implement sustainable systems at their facilities, is open to 5 transit agencies. Apply by May 22. tinyurl.com/yxw2frc4