FTA announces available funding for restarting transit service

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has issued a notice of funding opportunity for $25 million through the American Rescue Plan to help public transportation agencies resume service from COVID-19 suspensions.

Under FTA’s Route Planning Restoration Program, funding can be used for transit route restoration planning that is designed to examine ridership following the  pandemic, reduce travel times and make adjustments to increase the quality or frequency of transit service for low-income riders and those in disadvantaged neighborhoods or communities who may need increased service to get to jobs, shopping and health care.

Applications for funding are due Nov. 15.

Projects will be selected in part on whether they will increase racial equity and advance environmental justice in support of the President Biden’s executive order on "Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government."

The projects will also be examined for their impact on the climate, as referenced in the president's executive order on "Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad."

Transit agencies will be given additional consideration for projects that clearly reassess and plan for service that connects those in underserved communities, while helping cut down on car and other trips that increase emissions, particularly in those communities, which are often the most impacted by airborne pollution.

The maximum award amount for any prospective applicant may be up to $1 million and a local match is not required.

"The Route Restoration Program will help transit agencies develop strategies and identify opportunities to remove barriers and increase equity in underserved communities," said FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez in a press release.