The President’s proposed 2026 budget would keep spending roughly the same for transit and rail and eliminate over $5 billion in funding for EV charging infrastructure.
What does Trump’s budget mean for transportation? In a piece for Smart Cities Dive, Dan Zukowski outlines five key takeaways.
According to Zukowski, “The Federal Transit Administration’s budget would remain in line with the current fiscal year at $21.2 billion, including $4.3 billion in advance appropriations from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. That is $1 billion less than authorized for fiscal 2026 by the infrastructure law.”
The proposed budget would increase public transit funding by 1.5 percent and keep Amtrak spending essentially the same while shifting spending from the Northeast Corridor to national rail projects. It call for $3.8 billion in Capital Investment Grants, but eliminates “certain IIJA allocations for New Start, Core Capacity, Small Starts and Expedited Project Delivery Pilot Program projects.” The budget requests an additional $500 million for the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program, which funds passenger rail improvements.
The budget cuts roughly $5.7 billion in electric vehicle charging programs.
Read the full story: 5 takeaways from Trump’s proposed 2026 budget for rail and public transit
Trump budget slashes passenger rail funding by 82%
The White House's proposed FY2027 budget makes drastic cuts to public transit and eliminates high-speed rail funding altogether.
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment
The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.
California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal
Under Ian Choudri, the authority used taxpayer dollars to fund first class flights and trips to nightclubs.
Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states
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Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
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City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
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Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority