METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

White House FY2021 budget request proposes $810B reauthorization

Will work with Congress to identify a solution to fill the $261 billion gap between HTF revenues and proposed spending levels.

February 11, 2020
White House FY2021 budget request proposes $810B reauthorization

The Administration's FY 2021 Budget request provides $13.2 billion for public transportation, a $303 million increase from the FY 2020 enacted level.

Aaron Kittredge

2 min to read


The Administration's FY 2021 Budget request provides $13.2 billion for public transportation, a $303 million increase from the FY 2020 enacted level. Aaron Kittredge

On Monday, the President and his Administration submitted its FY 2021 Budget request, which provides $13.2 billion for public transportation, a $303 million increase from the FY 2020 enacted level, as well as $1.8 billion for passenger rail grant programs — a proposed cut of $712 million.

The Administration also outlined a 10-year, $810 billion surface transportation reauthorization. The proposed reauthorization is $75 billion above current law levels, with the Administration stating it wants to work with Congress to identify a combination of budget proposals to pay for the $261 billion gap between Highway Trust Fund revenues and proposed spending levels.

Ad Loading...

The proposal includes $155.4 billion for public transit over the 10-year period (FY 2021 – FY 2030), with the Administration stating it will submit a comprehensive surface transportation reauthorization proposal in the coming months.

In regards to passenger rail, the proposal includes $16.6 billion for rail infrastructure over the 10-year period (FY 2021 – FY 2030). The Administration proposes that federal operating support for Amtrak's long-distance routes would be provided through a new account and subsequently phased out entirely.

Separately, the Administration proposes an additional $190 billion for other infrastructure improvements. The proposed investments include $60 billion for a new Building Infrastructure Great grants program for "mega-projects", including transit and rail capital investments, and $20 billion for a Transit State of Good Repair Sprint program to reduce the large and growing state-of-good-repair transit backlog.

“We are encouraged by the momentum behind increased investment in public transportation and look forward to working with the Administration and Congress to enact a FY2021 budget and to authorize new surface transportation legislation prior to its expiration on September 30, 2020,” said APTA President/CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “Providing the necessary investment to bring our public transit systems to a state of good repair and meet growing community demands for increased mobility choices would reap economic and environmental benefits nationwide.”

More Management

Terrel Smith

Terrel Smith Launches New TransitOne Venture, Focuses on Building Relationships

The company partners with manufacturers such as Kiel Seating, Camira Fabric, and TSI Video, focusing on areas that directly impact both passenger experience and operational performance.

Read More →
A group of people stand in the Harlem-148 Street 3 Station and pose during a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Managementby StaffMay 4, 2026

New Accessibility Upgrades Open at Harlem Subway Station

A new ADA-compliant ramp and station upgrades improve access, enhance the rider experience, and deliver millions in cost savings for the MTA.

Read More →
Erin Hockman
Managementby StaffMay 4, 2026

Iowa's DART Taps New CEO

Erin Hockman will officially assume the role on May 7, as current CEO Amanda Wanke departs to take a leadership position with Metro Transit in the Twin Cities.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Caltrain trains on tracks
Railby StaffMay 1, 2026

Caltrain Survey Shows Record-High Rider Approval

The survey showed that commute trips still make up the majority of ridership, with most riders boarding 2 to 3 days a week, reflecting hybrid work schedules. Two-thirds of Caltrain riders have access to a car, while 37% of Caltrain riders are considered low-income.

Read More →
A VIA bus
Busby StaffMay 1, 2026

San Antonio's VIA Launches Next Round of Bus Improvements

The changes are designed to reduce overall travel time, shorten wait times, and get customers to their destinations more quickly.

Read More →
A graphic of a map showing a "Snapshot of Systemwide Vulnerabilities (projected)."
Managementby News/Media ReleaseMay 1, 2026

MBTA Unveils First Systemwide Climate Resilience Roadmap

The plan outlines strategies to protect transit infrastructure from extreme weather, prioritize critical investments, and improve system reliability as climate risks intensify.

Read More →
Ad Loading...

People Movement: DART Names Interim Chief, Clean Energy Taps New President/CEO

In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at MCTS, Voith, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.

Read More →
A person working on a bus
ManagementMay 1, 2026

Data-Driven Maintenance: Focusing Effort Where It Matters Most

Advances in data and analytics are giving transit agencies new opportunities to refine maintenance practices, improve efficiency and make more informed decisions about asset performance.

Read More →
transit tracker connectpoint
Sponsoredby Alex RomanMay 1, 2026

Connectpoint Expands Digital Signage Strategy with LED Push

Connectpoint is enhancing its digital signage strategy by integrating LED technology into its services.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
frontrunner bus
SponsoredMay 1, 2026

ADA Compliant Transit: Easier, More Dignified Travel for Every Passenger

Today’s riders—and the communities you serve—expect more from public transit. While ADA compliance is required, leading transit agencies know that true accessibility also means delivering dignity, efficiency, and a better rider experience. This whitepaper reveals why forward thinking agencies nationwide choose the Low Floor Frontrunner as their first choice for ADA compliant vehicles—setting a new standard with passenger first design, faster boarding, improved safety, and unmatched operational performance.

Read More →