With the announcement that the Senate passed the CARES Act by a vote of 96-0, APTA President/CEO Paul Skoutelas released the following statement:
"The American Public Transportation Association (APTA), on behalf of the public transportation industry, applauds Congressional leaders and the Trump Administration for reaching a bipartisan agreement on the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that includes $25 billion in desperately needed funds for essential public transportation services. Last night, the U.S. Senate passed the bill unanimously, by a vote of 96-0. The House of Representatives is expected to consider the bill on Friday and the President has expressed his support for the legislation.
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Public transit is a critical lifeline for millions of Americans, and this legislation will provide much needed support to the transit systems working tirelessly to provide essential public transit services for health care workers, first responders, and grocery and pharmacy workers, as well as medical transportation for kidney dialysis, cancer treatments, and other critical care.
Our wholehearted thanks to Congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Democratic Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-NY), Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), President Trump, and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin for working tirelessly to craft this bipartisan, bicameral emergency funding legislation.
We would also like to thank the leadership of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees for their critical work in crafting this essential legislation. From the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Chairman Richard C. Shelby (R-AL), Vice Chairman Patrick J. Leahy (D-VT), Subcommittee Chairman Susan M. Collins (R-ME) and Ranking Member Jack Reed (D-RI), and from the House Committee on Appropriations, Chairwoman Nita Lowey (D-NY), Ranking Member Kay Granger (R-TX), Subcommittee Chairman David Price (D-NC) and Ranking Member Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL). Finally, we thank the leaders of the authorizing committees of both the House and Senate.
We urge swift passage by the House of Representatives and signing of the bill by President Trump so that these funds can be distributed to transit systems as quickly as possible."
The delivery marks the first car in a 374‑vehicle order and begins the arrival of a new generation of higher‑capacity, more reliable, and more comfortable trains for one of the country’s busiest commuter rail systems.
Metro launches a 24-month project to replace 3,700 bus stop signs, introducing improved visibility, QR-enabled rider info, and expanded amenities across Hamilton County.
BART recorded 5,403,140 exits in March, making it the highest monthly ridership since the pandemic and surpassing the previous high set in October 2025 (5,346,890 exits).
The station was rebuilt as part of SEPTA’s Station Accessibility Program, making it fully ADA accessible with new elevators, ramps, and high-level platforms.
The plan represents an increase of just 1.9% over the current year, and includes investments in new buses, more full-length fare gates, and other enhancements for customers.
The announcement highlights the long-standing partnership between the Class I railroad and the commuter rail system, dating back to Metra's creation in 1983.
In Part 1, Blandon shares his journey from the U.S. Marines to a leadership role in public transit, along with insights on mentorship and professional growth within the industry.
The revamped Buyer’s Guide will reach METRO’s audience of more than 17,000 print and digital subscribers, providing suppliers with year-round visibility in front of transit agency leaders, motorcoach operators, and industry decision-makers across North America.
