Federal Transit Administration press releases

FTA Announces Approximately $5.1 Million to the University of Cincinnati for the Accelerating Advanced Digital Construction Management System Program

FTA today announced approximately $5.1 million to the University of Cincinnati to promote the adoption of digital platforms that speed up and improve the delivery of transit construction projects while reducing costs. The Accelerating Advanced Digital Construction Management Systems Program , created as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Program aims to apply digital systems throughout the transportation infrastructure lifecycle (including through the planning, design and engineering, construction, operations, and maintenance phases) that: maximize interoperability with other systems, products, tools, or applications; boost productivity; manage complexity; reduce project delays and cost overruns; enhance safety and quality; and reduce total costs for the entire lifecycle of transportation infrastructure assets. The University of Cincinnati will work with the Southwest Ohio Regional Transportation Authority, Butler County Regional Transit Authority, and Akron Metro to develop a demonstration project and document best practices from applying the selected systems in transit projects. Links : Press Release Accelerating Advanced Digital Construction Management Systems Program

Register Now for The Making Connections 2024 Conference

Are you a transit agency looking to solve critical issues around workforce development? Would resources and tools aimed at frontline workforce improve your agency operations? FTA's Transit Workforce Center (TWC) will host the Making Connections 2024 – The National Transit Workforce Conference (MC-24) in Baltimore, Maryland, on November 11-13, with a keynote address by FTA Deputy Administrator Veronica Vanterpool. MC-24 provides an opportunity for participants to explore new ideas and cutting-edge practices to support and shape transit workforce development today and in the future. FTA's National Transit Institute is a co-sponsor of this conference. MC-24 will bring together representatives from transit agencies, unions, government, education, community, and workforce development organizations from across the country to share successful strategies for recruitment and retention, workforce training, apprenticeships, applying new technologies, and advancing diversity, equity, and access. The conference agenda includes interactive sessions built around industry needs and aligned with FTA's National Transit Workforce Development Strategic Plan goals for recruiting and retaining the workforce of the future. On Monday November 11, there will be pre-conference intensive workshops based on TWC’s most in-demand technical assistance topics. Register for the Making Connections 2024 Conference, located at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor Hotel, 401 West Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. Links : FTA National Transit Workforce Development Strategic Plan Transit Workforce Center National Transit Institute Making Connections 2022 Recap and Videos

FTA Announces Major Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Investments to Modernize and Enhance Ferry Service Nationwide

FTA today announced grants totaling approximately $300 million from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to modernize the nation’s ferry systems. FTA’s ferry programs invest in improving ferry service in urban and rural communities by providing federal support to acquire modern, “greener” vessels and upgrading equipment to support high-quality, low-emission ferry service. In total, FTA is awarding federal funding to 18 projects in 14 states . Of the 18 projects, eight are receiving federal support for environmentally friendly propulsion technologies, such as electric ferries and charging equipment. The funding comes through three FTA competitive grant programs: FTA’s Ferry Service for Rural Communities Program provides competitive funding to states for ferry service in rural areas. Today, FTA is awarding $194 million to four projects in two states. FTA’s Passenger Ferry Grant Program supports capital projects to establish new ferry service and repair and modernize ferry vessels, terminals, and facilities in urban areas. Today, FTA is awarding $56.3 million to eight projects in seven states. FTA’s Electric or Low Emitting Ferry Program supports the purchase of electric or low-emitting ferry vessels that reduce emissions by using alternative fuels or on-board energy storage systems. Today, FTA is awarding $49 million to six projects in five states. Links : FTA Ferry Programs Project Selections News Release Acting Administrator Vanterpool’s video statement