The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will expand infrastructure investment in the United States by $1.2 trillion over the next 5 years. The legislation includes $91 billion in transit authorization over that 5 year period.
The Federal Transit Administration has produced a number of Program Fact Sheets to help State and Local governments navigate the new and expanded funding opportunities for transit providers. Some of the highlights from the Fact Sheets can be found below. To learn more about how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law supports federal transit programs view or download the full fact sheet using the links.
GRANTS FOR BUSES AND BUS FACILITIES
Funding of $2.1B in 2022 growing to $2.2B in 2026
Continues the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities program. The program makes funding available to entities operating fixed route bus services. Funding can replace, rehabilitate, and purchase buses and related equipment and to construct bus-related facilities. Funding is provided through formula allocations and competitive grants. Two sub-programs provide competitive grants for buses and bus facility projects, including one that supports low and zero-emission vehicles.
https://www.transit.dot.gov/funding/grants/fact-sheet-buses-and-bus-facilities-program
CAPITAL INVESTMENT GRANTS PROGRAM
Funding – $4.6 billion per year
Continues the discretionary Fixed Guideway Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program, which funds fixed guideway investments including new and expanded rapid rail, commuter rail, light rail, streetcars, bus rapid transit, and ferries, as well as corridor-based bus rapid transit investments that emulate the features of rail. There are three categories of eligible projects under the CIG program: New Starts, Small Starts, and Core Capacity.
To be eligible to receive a CIG construction grant, all proposed projects must go through a multi-year, multi-step development process outlined in the law. FTA is required to evaluate and rate CIG projects on statutorily defined project justification and local financial commitment criteria that differ by project type, and a project must receive at least a “Medium” overall rating to advance through the steps in the process and receive a construction grant award.
https://www.transit.dot.gov/funding/grants/fact-sheet-capital-investment-grants-program
GRANTS FOR THE ENHANCED MOBILITY OF SENIORS AND INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
Funding of $421M in 2022 growing to $457M in 2026
Continues the Formula Grants for the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program (Section 5310 Formula Program). The program funds transportation services planned, designed, and carried out to meet the special transportation needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities in all areas.
FORMULA GRANTS FOR RURAL AREAS
Funding of $980 million in 2022 growing to $1.08 billion in 2026
Continues the Formula Grants for Rural Areas Program. Providing capital, planning, and operating assistance to states and federally recognized Indian tribes to support public transportation in rural areas with populations less than 50,000. It also provides funding for state and national training and technical assistance through the Rural Transportation Assistance Program.
https://www.transit.dot.gov/funding/grants/fact-sheet-formula-grants-rural-areas
STATE OF GOOD REPAIR AND RAIL VEHICLE REPLACEMENT
Funding of $8.8 billion growing to $9.4 billion in 2026
Continues the State of Good Repair grants program. This program provides financial assistance to transit agencies that operate fixed-guideway and high-intensity motorbus systems for the maintenance, replacement, and rehabilitation of capital assets, including competitive grants for rail rolling stock, as well as for the development and implementation of transit asset management plans.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION INNOVATION
Funding $37M to $40M in 2026
Continues the Public Transportation Innovation program, which awards funding to advance innovative public transportation research and development. A broad range of activities are eligible under Sec. 5312, including:
- Research activities that relate to the development and deployment of new and innovative ideas, practices, and approaches.
- Demonstration, deployment, or evaluation projects that promote the early deployment and demonstration of innovation in public transportation that has broad applicability.
https://www.transit.dot.gov/funding/grants/fact-sheet-public-transportation-innovation
URBANIZED AREA FORMULA PROGRAM GRANTS
Funding of $6.99 billion growing to $7.66 billion in 2026
Continues the Urbanized Area Formula Funding program that makes federal resources available to urbanized areas for transit capital and operating assistance in urbanized areas and for transportation-related planning. An urbanized area is an incorporated area with a population of 50,000 or more that is designated as such by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census.
https://www.transit.dot.gov/funding/grants/fact-sheet-urbanized-area-formula-grants-program