Federal Transit Administration

Transit ridership continues to rise across the country. In Seattle, King County Metro Transit averages 300,000 trips per day – a 22% increase compared to last year. KCM recently increased its fall transit service, adding more than 3,700 weekly bus trips, connecting routes to new Sound Transit light-rail stations and expanding its microtransit service to Northshore, WA. tinyurl.com/mszphy9s

Shout out to Bay Area Transportation Authority in northwest Michigan for opening the doors to a brand-new headquarters. The state-of-the-art transit facility houses up to 100 buses, allowing BATA to better meet the transportation needs of people in the City of Traverse City, Michigan and Leelanau and Grand Traverse counties. In what will be one of the largest rural transit-oriented developments in the Midwest, BATA plans to develop an on-site childcare facility and more than 200 units of affordable housing in a future phase. FTA Regional Deputy Administrator Ajay Garg joined the celebration to highlight FTA’s $13 million in support. tinyurl.com/muauakn4

Applications are open for those interested in joining FTA’s Transit Advisory Committee for Safety. For 15 years, TRACS has provided guidance on safety programs and initiatives for public transportation. bit.ly/3TWsbBC

Last week, FTA Deputy Administrator Veronica Vanterpool participated in a panel to support the U.S. Department of Transportation's Thriving Communities Program. The program connects local leaders, many from under-resourced areas, with federal transportation opportunities to help advance their plans and projects. Over 200 people representing 52 communities and 35 states attended to learn more about accessing the historic funding provided in the Biden-Harris infrastructure law.

FTA Deputy Administrator Veronica Vanterpool was in the City of Madison, WI last month to cut the ribbon for Metro Transit’s 15-mile all-electric bus rapid transit route. Rapid Route A, the city’s first BRT line, will provide fast and frequent connections to more than 110,000 jobs and benefit the entire community.

On this day in 1970, President Richard Nixon signed the Urban Mass Transportation Assistance Act into law. This landmark legislation authorized $10 billion over 12 years to develop and expand public transportation systems nationwide, the first long-term federal commitment to support public transit. We appreciate how far FTA has come in making our communities more connected and accessible. FTA continues to invest in our nation’s infrastructure, ensuring all Americans have access to efficient, inclusive and sustainable transportation.

Indigenous Peoples' Day honors the rich history, culture and contributions of Indigenous communities nationwide. FTA recognizes the importance of supporting accessible and efficient transportation on tribal lands to foster growth, connectivity and sustainability. Since the Biden-Harris infrastructure law was signed in 2021, FTA has invested over $130 million in tribal transit programs, helping American Indian and Alaska Native communities modernize and expand transit. FTA is providing nearly 83% more competitive funding for tribal transit through 2026 than in previous years. FTA remains committed to continuing our partnership with Tribal nations, listening to their needs and working together to build a better, more connected future for all.

Nearly 20 transit agencies across central and southwest Florida helped residents prepare for evacuation from Hurricane Milton. We thank our transit partners for their commitment to this response effort and for helping move hundreds of people to safety.

Register for FTA’s webinar on transit worker safety on October 15. The webinar will highlight requirements for the nation’s largest transit agencies to address the significant safety risks related to assaults on transit workers. bit.ly/4dEOgvM

Connecting communities is our most immediate and urgent priority. Today, FHWA Acting Administrator Kristin White traveled to Western North Carolina to assess the damage to transportation infrastructure caused by Hurricane #Helene. FHWA is committed to supporting our state and local partners as they rebuild. The road to recovery may be long, but we are dedicated to standing with communities every step of the way. Together, we can rebuild and restore vital connections.