The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) said it urges transit agencies to ensure its transit workers and communities have the opportunity to get the COVID-19 vaccine, according to the company’s press release.

This is in response to vaccination rates rising in the U.S. More Americans are getting vaccinated against COVID-19 in the last two months, according to the Mayo Clinic and the CDC.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine on Aug. 23.

Only 14% of Americans now say that they are not likely to get vaccinated, according to a recent Ipsos poll.

“FTA is calling on transit leaders to share this information with employees, and to do all you can to encourage vaccination among your workforces,” the company said in a statement. “Some agencies have provided paid time off to receive the vaccine, cash awards, or gift cards to motivate employees to get vaccinated.”

County-level CDC estimates of vaccine hesitancy for COVID-19 can identify areas within individual’s transit system’s service area for extra help reaching the vaccine.

The FTA said it is supporting transit agency vaccination efforts by awarding grants under the American Rescue Plan. This is to help cover expenses and encourage transit leaders to provide services that make it possible for their community to get the vaccine.

Transit agencies looking for information on funding eligibility can visit FTA's FAQs regarding COVID-19.