Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

The FTA anticipates that for certain transit projects, the streamlined review process would be five times faster, making it the most efficient it has been in 20 years.

By giving greater emphasis to evaluation criteria concerning environmental benefits and local economic impact, it would be possible for FTA to consider a variety of smaller-scale projects that might better meet a community's needs, including streetcars and rapid bus services.

The two-day round-table discussion was held to assist transportation planners from 13 cities around the country to learn how to best implement federally-funded streetcar projects in their communities.

FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff signed the full-funding grant agreement during a ceremony at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain. The grant clears the way for the Connecticut DOT to begin construction of the bus rapid transit system and covers about half the total cost of the $567 million project.

Administrator Rogoff also touched on Buy America requirements, ciivil rights initiatives, and the most recent work at the FTA in regards to funding projects and programs.

The City of Charlotte has acquired three vintage streetcars to be used for the project, which is funded through an FTA grant program. The Charlotte Area Transportation System will operate and maintain the streetcar system once it is constructed.

Construction of the line is expected to generate more than 3,300 jobs, including positions related to engineering, design, construction and operations.

While much of the two-day meeting's focus will be on Detroit's planned Woodward Avenue light rail system, the panel will also share insights on how area leaders can work together to develop a larger vision for future public transportation development.

FTA green lighted work on the University Circle Rapid Transit Station, which was awarded $10.5 million from the TIGER II Program in October 2010. The project will involve reconstructing the station, which includes consolidating the bus and transfer area and the rail station.

In addition, Secretary LaHood said that the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority will receive a $400,000 grant from the FTA to establish a streetcar maintenance training program to assist in hiring and training skilled streetcar maintenance workers.