FTA funds transit access improvements

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) yesterday announced $6.2 million in funding to support nine planning efforts aimed at improving access to public transportation, including rail.

The awards, provided through FTA's Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Planning, will fund planning projects near public transportation in seven states that improve access, encourage ridership and spur economic and mixed-use development, FTA officials said in a press release.

Following are transit organizations selected to receive funds for rail-related projects:

• The Phoenix Public Transit Department in Arizona will receive $1 million to plan for TODs at three stations of Valley Metro's proposed 1.6-mile Northwest Extension Phase II light-rail project.
• Miami-Dade County will receive $900,000 for TOD planning at four stations of the proposed Beach Corridor Bay Crossing Trunkline from the Miami Metromover to Miami Beach, and at six stations of the proposed extension of the Miami Metromover to NW 41st Street.
• North Carolina Department of Transportation will receive $900,000 to plan for TODs at 13 stations along a proposed passenger-rail corridor between Sanford and Henderson.
• Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority in Austin, Texas, will receive $900,000 to plan for TODs at 13 stations of the proposed Blue and Orange Line light-rail projects in the 12-mile North Lamar/Guadalupe/Riverside Corridor.
• Jacksonville Transportation Authority will receive $877,068 to plan for TODs at four stations in the initial phase of the proposed 38.4-mile First Coast commuter-rail project in northeast Florida.
• Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority will receive $360,000 to plan for TODs at five stations of the proposed 4-mile King of Prussia rail extension of the Norristown High Speed Line.
• Bay Area Rapid Transit in San Francisco will receive $350,000 to plan for TODs at nine heavy-rail stations along the Green and Orange lines from Fruitvale south to Warm Springs/South Fremont.