FTA files NPRM to streamline private sector investment in transit projects
Recipients of Federal funding for public transportation projects would be allowed to identify specific FTA regulations, practices, procedures, or guidance documents that may be an impediment to the use of a P3 or private investment in that project.
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced a proposal to facilitate public-private partnerships in public transportation. The newly proposed Private Investment Project Procedures (PIPP) for public transportation capital projects will help the federal government develop more effective approaches to spurring private participation and investment in areas such as project planning, development, finance, design, construction, maintenance, and operations.
As detailed in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), recipients of Federal funding for public transportation projects would be allowed to identify specific FTA regulations, practices, procedures, or guidance documents that may be an impediment to the use of a public-private partnership (P3) or private investment in that project.
Ad Loading...
“This proposal will help us better understand the ways that unnecessary procedures may get in the way of building the best projects possible at the lowest cost to the public,” said U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.
Under the proposed PIPP system, recipients of Federal assistance would be able to apply to FTA to request modification or waiver of specific FTA requirements if the recipient demonstrates that those requirements discourage the use of public-private partnerships. The FTA Administrator would then have discretion to grant a modification or waiver of a requirement if certain criteria are met.
However, the PIPP could not be used to waive any requirement under the National Environmental Policy Act or any other provision of Federal statute.
“As more public transportation project sponsors find willing and able private partners, we must ensure that federal regulations or procedures do not stifle innovation,” said FTA Executive Director Matthew Welbes. “FTA’s Private Investment Project Procedures will help us maintain procedures that are truly beneficial while allowing for discretion to waive those that simply impede good projects.”
METRO’s People Movement highlights the latest leadership changes, promotions, and personnel news across the public transit, motorcoach, and people mobility sectors.
BART began offering select parking lots to non-BART riders to generate new revenue to help address its FY27 $376M operating budget deficit brought on by remote work.
Drawing on decades of industry experience, Evans-Benson offered insights into the differences between the two, along with tips for better customer engagement and more.
The renewals include continued operations at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida; the PRTC in Virginia; and RTC Washoe in Nevada.
The governor’s proposed auto insurance reforms could save the agency $48 million annually by limiting payouts in crashes where buses are not primarily at fault.
What truly drives the cost of a paratransit fleet? Beyond the purchase price, seven operational factors quietly determine maintenance frequency, downtime, and long-term service reliability. This whitepaper explores how these factors shape lifecycle cost and what agencies should evaluate when selecting paratransit vehicles.
In this conversation, TBC’s Executive Director Ed Redfern, President Corey Aldridge, and Washington Representative Joel Rubin outline the coalition’s key policy priorities, the challenges facing transit agencies, and how industry stakeholders can work together to strengthen the voice of bus transit at the federal level.
Amanda Wanke, who has worked at DART for 10 years, including the past 2½ years as CEO, will join Metro Transit as deputy chief operating officer, operations administration.
