Transit modernization needs put at $77 billion
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-Chief
The Federal Transit Administration released a study Wednesday that found transit systems need $77.7 billion to bring their systems to a state of good repair and an additional a $14.4 billion a year to maintain them.
"While most of the $77.7 billion backlog can be attributed to rail, more than 40% of the nation’s buses are also in poor to marginal condition," said the agency.
FTA’s National State of Good Repair Assessment Study was requested by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood as a follow-up to the 2009 Rail Modernization Study report to Congress.
“Transit remains one of the safest forms of transportation, but this report shows the clear need to reinvest in our bus, subway, and light rail systems,” said LaHood (pictured at left). “As a nation, we must lead when it comes to infrastructure development and commit ourselves to rebuilding America.”
“Investment in the nation’s transit infrastructure is important to a healthy economy and most importantly, the safety and well-being of our riders,” stated Administrator Peter Rogoff. “For millions of Americans, having a safe and reliable transit system is the difference between seeing their children before bed or not, making it to work on time or arriving late, or getting to a doctor’s appointment or forgoing it.”
In April, Rogoff announced the availability of $775 million through a competitive State of Good Repair funding program. FTA has received approximately 400 project applications and more than $4.2 billion in requests for the $775 million.
