METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

LaHood announces $909.4M in ARRA grants

The federal dollars announced Wednesday will be used to purchase new equipment, including streetcars, buses, ferries, paratransit vans, clean fuel vehicles and railcars, as well as pay for the construction of new transit facilities, bus shelters, repair and maintenance of transit systems and safety and security equipment.

June 11, 2009
1 min to read


On Wednesday, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced that 77 grants totaling $909.4 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) are being awarded for transit improvements in 27 states, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands.

"This investment of federal funds in our nation's transit systems will promote greater mobility, a cleaner environment and more livable communities," LaHood said.

Ad Loading...

These funds are made available through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) assistance programs. More than $1.436 billion has been made available to 31 states since President Obama signed the law.

"These projects will put people back to work quickly, improve transportation options for millions, and will help rebuild the nation's economy," said FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff.

The federal dollars announced Wednesday will be used to purchase new equipment, including street cars, buses, ferries, paratransit vans, clean fuel vehicles and railcars.  Funds will also pay for the construction of new transit facilities, bus shelters, repair and maintenance of transit systems and safety and security equipment.

ARRA, signed into law by President Barack Obama on Feb. 17, 2009, includes $8.4 billion for transit capital improvements. This law implements the transit formula program related provisions of the ARRA and provides program and grant application requirements for these funds, to be made available through FTA assistance programs.

 

More Bus

Frontrunner's new facility in Billerica, Massachusetts.
Busby StaffJune 8, 2026

Frontrunner Bus Group Expands with New Massachusetts Headquarters

The significantly larger facility will provide the infrastructure needed to support the company’s growing workforce, advanced technologies, and expanding product line.

Read More →
New MobilityJune 5, 2026

Joshua Schank on Transportation Innovation, Risk, and the Future of Mobility

In this edition of METROspectives, Joshua Schank discusses lessons from launching LA Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation, the challenges of advancing new mobility technologies, and much more.

Read More →
A maintenance person with a tablet.
ManagementJune 5, 2026

Reinventing Fleet Maintenance with Real-time Visibility and AI

Transit leaders need to know what needs fixing, where to look, who is responsible, when work is completed, and what it costs without having to chase information across disconnected systems.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SamTrans planning for ballot measure
Managementby StaffJune 4, 2026

SamTrans Sets Priorities for Potential Connect Bay Area Revenue

The board-approved framework allocates future funding to maintaining service, rider improvements, equity initiatives, and infrastructure repairs.

Read More →
World Cup Crowds Will Test Transit Systems
ManagementJune 3, 2026

When Routine Fails: How Public Transit Must Adapt for the World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will test transit agencies’ ability to manage unpredictable travel patterns, making real-time data and operational flexibility critical to moving millions of visitors efficiently.

Read More →
Bus Roadeo at APTA Mobility 2026
Busby Staff and News ReportsJune 1, 2026

Photo Highlights from APTA's 2026 Mobility Conference

The photo gallery captures scenes from the conference, including the International Bus Roadeo, exhibit hall activities, the Bus Showcase, and much more.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Managementby StaffJune 1, 2026

Chicago's NITA Act Moves Into Next Phase as Service Improvements Begin

Rider-focused improvements will begin rolling out across the system immediately as CTA, Metra, and Pace increase service this summer in the six-county region.

Read More →
A SEPTA bus going down the road
Managementby StaffJune 1, 2026

Philadelphia's SEPTA Approves Annual Transit Service Plan

Between 2021 and 2024, SEPTA held more than 200 public meetings — including 144 in-person sessions — throughout the SEPTA service region.

Read More →
frontrunner bus image
SponsoredJune 1, 2026

A True Low-Floor Minibus Design Delivers Better Accessibility and Efficiency for Everyone

As transit demands evolve, so should your fleet. Download the whitepaper to see how the Low-Floor Frontrunner Minibus compares to traditional options.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A New Flyer 60-foot articulated bus
Busby StaffMay 29, 2026

WMATA Debuts 'Fares Pay for Service' Awareness Campaign

The campaign was highlighted during a media event at the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit Center in Silver Spring, where WMATA’s GM/CEO Randy Clarke joined Metro Transit Police officers, WMATA management team, board members, and staff to expand fare enforcement and customer education efforts on Metro Bus routes throughout the region.

Read More →