Trinity Metro to receive $55 million in CARES funding

Trinity Metro last week announced it will receive $55 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to address the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Trinity Metro’s $55,161,034 will be used toward offsetting losses in the operating budget from decreased sales tax and fare box revenue. The money also will be used for COVID-19-related expenses incurred to protect passengers and employees, Trinity Metro officials said in a press release. 

The grant will primarily cover salaries, wages and lost revenue, officials said.

The Regional Transportation Council approved Trinity Metro’s funding, which is part of the $25 billion the Federal Transit Administration received for transit providers to respond to the public health crisis under the CARES Act passed by Congress in March.

Meanwhile, other passenger-rail agencies across the United States continue to respond to the pandemic. Following are the latest updates:

• Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority today began requiring riders to wear face coverings while riding the system. 
• Rio Metro Regional Transit District has extended suspension of its New Mexico Rail Runner Express commuter-rail service through May 31.
• Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District last week implemented a cleaning program on the South Shore commuter-rail line that includes new sanitization procedures for stations and rail cars, as well as installation of hand sanitizer stations on all rail cars.