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.

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."
FULL STORY: Envisioning a Federal Program to Increase Transit Service

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions