FTA awards $20 million in grants to improve transit access

The Federal Transit Administration last week announced $20 million in grant funding for 47 communities across the nation to help improve public transportation options in areas experiencing long-term economic distress.

The federal dollars come from the FTA Areas of Persistent Poverty program, which provides support to state and local governments, transit agencies and nonprofit organizations to create better transit for residents with limited or no transportation options, FTA officials said in a press release.

The grants can be used to support efforts to initiate transit service, improve existing service or modernize fleets. Funds are awarded specifically for studies to improve transit in U.S. Census-defined low-income areas.

Selected rail-related projects include:

• $778,500 for the Chicago Transit Authority to assess whether to reopen the historic Englewood (Green) Line Racine station with modern accessibility standards. The station, which closed nearly 30 years ago, is recognized as a key investment to revitalize the surrounding neighborhood; and

• $250,000 for Cincinnati city officials to study opportunities to use innovative technology on the Cincinnati Connector Streetcar. The project is designed to improve the rider experience, heighten safety and increase transit access.