Seeking to enhance capabilities devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) announced $25 million in grants for 50 transit agencies in 24 states last week, pulling the funds from the American Rescue Plan.
These funds will improve transit service options, such as expanded routes, Bus Rapid Transit, and on-demand service. Provided by the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Route Planning Restoration Program, they will help agencies with planning projects to increase their ridership and reduce travel times while supporting local efforts to increase the quality or frequency of service for low-income riders and traditionally disadvantaged communities, which tend to rely on or be more in need of such services.
“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,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said. “Now, thanks to President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, they will have the resources they need to better serve riders across the country.”
Equity will be a big part of this push. As such, eligible recipients will be those included in any Urbanized Area Formula Grant recipient that experienced reduced transit service on or after Jan. 20, 2020, due to the pandemic. According to FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez, eliminating barriers will also be critical.
“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,” Fernandez said.