The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) recently awarded $2.2 billion to 35 recipients in 18 states to help public transportation agencies pay for day-to-day operations as they continue to provide essential service for frontline workers.
Funding is through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The law included $30.5 billion to support public transportation systems responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly all the funding has been allocated to support continued public transit operations and transit projects.
American Rescue Plan Additional Assistance funding can be used to retain employees, clean and sanitize, and combat the spread of pathogens on transit systems, among other things.
To be eligible, transit agencies must demonstrate a need for additional financial support to cover expenses related to day-to-day operations. This includes Indian Tribes and recipients of FTA Urbanized Area Formula funds or Rural Area Formula funds.
The Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority in Cincinnati received $62.3 million to offset an operating deficit, decreased fare, and other revenues.
The San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority received $26.1 million to maintain ferry operations and avoid reductions in personnel and service schedules during the pandemic.
The Oneida Nation of Wisconsin received $1.47 million for operating costs regarding the Oneida Public Transit Program.