Why the Federal Government Should Fund Transit Service

Although federal transit funding is traditionally reserved for capital improvement and infrastructure projects, advocates argue that funding improved service could have transformative impacts on transit-dependent communities.

1 minute read

April 27, 2021, 9:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


MTA Bus

Rian Castillo / Flickr

In a blog post, TransitCenter, a New York-based transit advocacy organization, joins other transit advocates in a call to making public transit funding a federal priority long after pandemic-related emergency measures are lifted. COVID-19 only served to highlight existing gaps in transit service and the stark inequities faced by transit users. "[A]fter the pandemic recedes, a federal program to support transit service could yield immense dividends," the blog notes.

"In most American cities, the fundamental shortcoming of transit is its sheer scarcity." Allowing "transit agencies to spend federal funds to run buses and trains" after the pandemic, while "a break with longstanding policy," is "the fastest way to deliver better transit networks, improve the experience of current riders, and increase ridership" through increased service.

TransitCenter offers an analysis of the projected effects of a $20 billion investment in transit service nationwide, which, according to an analysis by the Urban Institute, could "be more than enough to bring transit service in every U.S. urban area up to the level in the Chicago region." Such a program, TransitCenter argues, could yield immense benefits for transit riders. "Instead of cutting people off from opportunity, condemning households to struggle with high transportation costs, and overheating the planet, our transportation systems can advance economic fairness, racial equity, and climate action."

Monday, April 19, 2021 in TransitCenter

Aerial view of snowy single-family homes in suburban Long Island, New York

New York Governor Advances Housing Plan Amid Stiff Suburban Opposition

Governor Kathy Hochul’s ambitious proposal to create more housing has once again run into a brick wall of opposition in New York’s enormous suburbs, especially on Long Island. This year, however, the wall may have some cracks.

March 20, 2023 - Mark H. McNulty

Empty parking garage at night with yellow lines marking spots and fluorescent lighting

Rethinking the Role of Parking in the American City

In cities big and small, the tide is turning against sprawling parking lots, car-centric development, and minimum parking mandates.

March 16, 2023 - The New York Times

A futuristic version of New York City, with plants growing neatly on top of modern skycrapers.

Friday Eye Candy: 20 AI-Generated Cityscapes

AI-generated images are creating new landscapes and cityscapes, capable of inspiring awe or fear.

March 17, 2023 - Chris Steins via Medium

A group of wetsuit-clad swimmers gathers to talk in shallow water near the shore of the San Francisco Bay.

Proposed Pool Would Make an Olympic-Sized Play Area in the San Francisco Bay

The San Francisco Bay is usually an undesirable place to swim, except for a hearty few. A development proposal seeking assistance at the state level would add a pool to the Bay’s waters to make the idea of going for a swim more appealing.

March 24 - The Mercury News

Chicago elevated train over busy city street surrounded by high-rise buildings

Chicagoland Transit Agencies Call for State Funding as Budget Shortfall Looms

Illinois transit agencies want to see changes to a law requiring them to collect half of their revenue from transit fares, arguing that low ridership and staffing shortages will lead to a massive budget gap without intervention.

March 24 - Crain's Chicago Business

Minneapolis Stone Arch Bridge

Panel: Minneapolis Zoning Updates Should Reflect Mixed-Use Future

A discussion of post-pandemic changes in work and commuting concluded that the city’s overhaul of its zoning code should be less restrictive with land uses.

March 24 - MinnPost

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

HUD’s 2023 Innovative Housing Showcase

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.