The 2027 Federal budget looks at slashing transit funding in the coming year. The budget proposes a 23% ($4.8B) reduction for public transit, specifically eliminating advance appropriations from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
The proposed budget would zero out a program that provides funding for new intercity passenger rail service, improvements to existing service and projects to repair equipment and infrastructure. Specific transit areas facing reduced funding include:
- Capital Investment Grants: -$1.6 billion.
- Low or No Emission Competitive Grants: -$1.05 billion.
- State of Good Repair grants: -$950 million.
- All Station Accessibility Program: -$350 million.
The president’s budget also eliminates funding for high-speed rail.
This proposal is just the beginning of the budget process. It will now undergo review and negotiation in Congress, which will ultimately decide the final funding levels before the new fiscal year begins on October 1, 2026.
Transit supporters should consider reaching out to their Congressional delegation on the importance of the federal investment for Missouri Transit.
Congressional member look up available here: https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member