APTA calls on Congress to provide robust funding for transit and passenger rail in FY24 appropriations bill

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) is urging Congress to support public transit and passenger rail during the Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations process. The process began last week with the release of the Biden Administration’s budget, which included a request of $21.3 billion for public transit and $18 billion for passenger and freight rail.

The release of the President’s Budget is the start of the appropriations process that will involve negotiations on both side of Capitol Hill before an appropriations bill is finalized and voted on.

“We applaud the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic investments in public transportation and call on Congress to harness the potential of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law by fully funding public transportation in the FY 2024 THUD Appropriations bill,” said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “Strong public transportation grows the economy by connecting people to jobs, education, healthcare, businesses and opportunities. Investing fully in public transportation will benefit all Americans.”

The President’s Budget includes:

• $13.9 billion for transit formula funds - a $356 million increase from FY2023 enacted levels
• $4.5 billion for Capital Investment Grants
• $7.47 billion for Northeast Corridor and National Network grants to Amtrak
• $7.76 billion for Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grants – a $460 million increase
• Three suggested policy changes to ease transit providers continued financial challenges

APTA urges Congress to:

• Provide at least $21.6 billion for public transit and $20.2 billion for passenger rail in the FY 2024 THUD Appropriations bill (when combined with the advance appropriations of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law)
• Streamline project delivery by enacting commonsense regulatory reforms (e.g., expediting Capital Investment Grant (CIG) review; simplifying Commercial Driver’s License requirements)
• Create a new Mobility Innovation and Technology Initiative to integrate new mobility solutions into public transit networks.