Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

Of the five measures approved by the board of supervisors, one supports an assurance funding plan that will allow the Central Subway to advance if state bond funds earmarked for the project are delayed. The SFMTA board of directors approved a similar measure.

Approved a $53.4 billion appropriations bill funding investments in the nation's roads, bridges, rail and transit systems, and airports, as well as housing assistance for low-income families and veterans.

Issuance of the letter of no prejudice provided the newest indication that the full commitment of federal funding through the FTA's New Starts program may be forthcoming.

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.

New Starts projects tabbed to receive funds include Connecticut's New Britain-Hartford Busway, Denver's 13-station Eagle Commuter Rail project and Seattle's Rapid C bus rapid transit line.

The grants being awarded will not increase the federal government's overall share in the projects but, instead, a portion of the federal share for each project is being paid earlier than expected because of unallocated funds in FTA's Fiscal Year 2010 budget for new construction.

The 24 winning proposals demonstrated need by identifying a substantial transportation challenge in a particular corridor and proposing technical work that would provide cost and benefit information on the alternatives studied to address the problem.

New Starts grant to extend existing commuter rail service an additional 20 miles from Providence to Boston starting in 2012.