FTA allocates $25 billion in virus aid to transit agencies

(Source: Progressive Railroading 04/03/2020)

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) yesterday announced a total of $25 billion in federal funding allocations to help public transit agencies respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Funding is provided through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which President Donald Trump signed March 27.

Funding will be available to reimburse capital and operating expenses incurred to prevent, prepare for and respond to COVID-19. Eligible expenses include paying salaries,  purchasing protective equipment and cleaning supplies, and maintaining transit service, FTA officials said in a press release.

On the East Coast, the New York-Newark-New Jersey Connecticut region will receive $1.5 billion, the Philadelphia-New Jersey-Pennsylvania region will receive $125 million and New York City will receive $3.8 billion, nj.com reported.

New Jersey Transit requested $1.25 billion and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey asked for $1.9 billion to cover their losses and expenses due to coronavirus, the news outlet reported.

In Colorado, the Regional Transportation District of Denver expects to receive $232 million, according to an agency press release.