L.A.'s transit agency was awarded over a billion dollars in American Rescue Plan funding for maintenance and operations.
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) was awarded $1.24 billion in American Rescue Plan funds, which the agency's Board Chair, Hilda Solis, says will be used to "rebuild and grow our ridership, maintain the highest standards of service and safety, ensure no employee is laid off, and provide equitable access to transit for all Los Angeles County residents who rely on Metro buses and trains."
According to a blog post from the agency, "Metro will use the America Rescue Plan Act funds to benefit riders, including seniors, persons with disabilities, low-income and transit-dependent individuals by supporting bus and rail operations and maintenance – critical activities that will ensure our transit system operates safely, efficiently, reliably, and sustainably."
The agency is also receiving over $275 million for four Metro transit capital projects through the Capital Investment Grant (CIG) Program, which will help fund construction of the Regional Connector in downtown Los Angeles and the Purple Line Westside Extension.
Metro's decision last week to reinstate fares despite the continuing pandemic has prompted backlash from critics who say the decision will negatively impact low-income transit-dependent riders as new COVID variants surge. Meanwhile, some parents complain that they still haven't received the passes needed for the fareless student pilot that Metro officially launched in October.
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Los Angeles Transit Ridership Grew in 2023
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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.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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