FTA proposes new definition of 'major' transit projects

The Federal Transit Administration is seeking public comment on its proposal to revise its project management oversight (PMO) rule, which guides federal oversight of large transit capital investments.

The proposed changes would streamline the PMO regulation by reducing the number of projects subject to FTA project management oversight, FTA officials said in a press release.

The agency published a notice of proposed rulemaking yesterday in the Federal Register.

Under the proposal, the new rule would redefine a "major capital project" as a new rail transit or bus rapid transit project — or an extension, rehabilitation or modernization of an existing transit system — with a total project cost of $300 million or more and with a federal investment of $100 million or more.

The previous threshold defined a major capital project as one costing $100 million or more, but did not include federal support as a factor.

Comments on the proposed rule change are due Oct. 25.