Did you know? Seattle’s Metro system (now King County Metro Transit) was one of the first transit agencies to incorporate wheelchair lifts for buses. In response to disability activists, Metro committed in 1978 to make its bus fleet accessible. Initial attempts to install bus lifts didn’t work well, but by 1980, the system had found a successful design and installed it on hundreds of buses. More than a decade before the #ADA, Seattle riders with disabilities could access more than 40 bus routes. An FTA study of Metro’s success with the system found that it reliably and safely helped users get to work, shopping and activities across the city. Photo: National Archives. tinyurl.com/26av9a8v
Federal Transit Administration
Government Administration
Washington, DC 51,686 followers
Improving public transportation for America's communities
About us
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) works to improve public transportation for America's communities. Since 1964, FTA has partnered with state and local governments to create and enhance public transportation systems. Today, we invest more than $20 billion annually to support and expand public rail, bus, trolley, ferry and other transit services. That investment has helped modernize public transportation and extended service into small cities and rural communities that previously lacked transit options. FTA also oversees safety measures and helps develop next-generation technology research. An agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), FTA is headed by an administrator appointed by the President of the United States. FTA is one of DOT’s 10 modes of transportation and is run by a headquarters in Washington, D.C. as well as 10 regional offices that assist transit agencies in all states and U.S. territories. FTA is an organization of more than 550 diverse, talented, enthusiastic people working to strengthen American communities, promote economic vitality, and maintain personal freedom through the development and support of public transportation.
- Website
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http://www.transit.dot.gov
External link for Federal Transit Administration
- Industry
- Government Administration
- Company size
- 501-1,000 employees
- Headquarters
- Washington, DC
- Type
- Government Agency
- Founded
- 1964
- Specialties
- Public Transportation, Transit, Subway, Bus & Bus Rapid Transit, Light Rail, Transit Safety, and Innovation in Public Transportation
Locations
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Primary
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590, US
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Employees at Federal Transit Administration
Updates
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MTA Maryland is reaching out to young people in the Baltimore area to encourage them to have a voice in how public transportation serves their community. The agency’s new Youth Transit Council for 14- to 18-year-olds provides them with a forum and exposure to MTA and potential career options. Councils at MTA and other transit agencies help address youth transit needs, create more connected transit systems and set the stage for a new generation of riders. tinyurl.com/4jxjx44r
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At an event in northern New Jersey today, FTA Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool announced an $83 million grant to NJ TRANSIT for renovations at the Brick Church Station, a commuter rail station on the Morris & Essex line that averages 1,600 riders a day. The regional transit hub connects 7 bus routes, including commuter bus service. Through the All Stations Accessibility Program, the agency and 7 others will improve accessibility at rail stations with renovations like elevators, ramps and improved platforms. We’re pleased to support the work that helps agencies make these improvements so everyone can reliably access the rail systems in their communities. tinyurl.com/4ayf8hmy
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Today, we celebrate our work with transit agencies to help make the nation’s oldest rail stations accessible to people with disabilities. Eight transit agencies will receive a share of $343 million through the All Stations Accessibility program. By improving stations to ensure people with disabilities can get on board with the same ease as anyone else, we are taking a major step toward promoting equity in our transportation systems. tinyurl.com/4ayf8hmy
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FTA's latest Transit Safety and Oversight Spotlight Newsletter highlights the final Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program regulation and FTA’s participation at the American Public Transportation Association’s Mobility Conference. tinyurl.com/n6279ytw
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During FTA’s recent Safety Management System in Practice workshop in Atlanta, GA, FTA staff shared strategies for managing safety risks and introduced tools designed to expand the use of safety data. The workshop also allowed participants to engage with their peers, exchanging insights on best practices for safety risk management and safety assurance processes. tinyurl.com/2ze3w8x2
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IndyGo, Indiana’s largest public transportation provider, recently announced a win-win-win with its plans to debut 60-foot electric battery buses when the Purple Line Bus Rapid Transit route launches later this year. The buses will reduce CO2 emissions by more than 14K metric tons and, by using solar panels to charge the low-emission buses, IndyGo will reduce energy costs and improve air quality along the 15-mile Purple Line connecting downtown Indianapolis to City of Lawrence, Indiana.
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Congrats to City of Alexandria, Virginia, which will receive a $550,000 FTA grant to create a land use plan for mixed-use development and affordable housing along the proposed 4-mile bus rapid transit line being planned for Duke Street. The city’s first East-West BRT will link 2 ends of the city, and the plan calls for transit-oriented development best practices to prioritize multimodal, walkable neighborhoods and address barriers to equitable housing access for the Duke Street plan area. As part of the effort, the city will strategically connect communities from the West End to the King Street Metro Station and the historic Union Station, which is used by Virginia Railway Express (VRE) and Amtrak for regional service. tinyurl.com/FY24TOD
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Just announced: a new round of funding available for transit agencies to plan sustainable, walkable communities near transit. $10.5 million through FTA’s transit-oriented development planning grants will support efforts by communities to plan and invest near transit hubs to promote sustainable, equitable communities, focusing on affordable housing. Apply by July 22. tinyurl.com/y2eexftj