METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Atkins re-selected for 5-year FTA oversight contract

Services include monitoring FTA projects to determine whether they are progressing on time, within budget, and according to approved grantee plans and specifications.

January 22, 2015
Atkins re-selected for 5-year FTA oversight contract

A new streetcar undergoes testing as part of the Tucson Modern Streetcar project in Arizona. Atkins provided project management oversight for the $196 million project under the company’s previous contract with FTA. Photo credit: City of Tucson. Used with permission.

2 min to read


A new streetcar undergoes testing as part of the Tucson Modern Streetcar project in Arizona. Atkins provided project management oversight for the $196 million project under the company’s previous contract with FTA. Photo credit: City of Tucson. Used with permission.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) selected Atkins for a second five-year, $13 million contract to provide project management oversight of federally funded mass transit projects nationwide. Atkins helps evaluate state or local public agency (grantee) technical capacity and capability to successfully plan and implement federal investments in major transit projects.

“Atkins’ business is built by developing strong, long-standing relationships with clients and the communities we serve,” said L. Joe Boyer, chief executive officer, Atkins, North America. “This re-selection allows us to continue assisting FTA as they help local and state transit providers fund new transit systems or improve the operation of existing systems.”

Ad Loading...

Since 2009, Atkins has served as FTA’s project management oversight consultant on assignments that include:

  • Tucson Modern Streetcar, Ariz. Atkins performed project management oversight for the $196 million, 3.9-mile-long initial streetcar line that will connect the University of Arizona and many of the city’s major centers.

  • Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Silicon Valley 10-Mile Berryessa Extension, Calif. Atkins was recently appointed to oversee the $2.2 billion first phase of a planned 16-mile extension of the BART regional heavy rail system, linking San Jose to the soon-to-be-completed Warm Springs station in Fremont.

Atkins’ services include monitoring FTA projects to determine whether they are progressing on time, within budget, and according to approved grantee plans and specifications. Other activities include tracking constructability reviews, planning, and implementing risk assessment and/or risk mitigation, performing change order reviews, and providing value engineering services. Atkins also offers workshops to help grantees prepare FTA documents to satisfy grant requirements.

More Management

Cover of a Strada 360 guide titled "Turn Transit Data Into Action: How to solve common transit agency pain points with connected technology." The cover features a blurred transit bus, a gray grid background with orange accents, and text describing how connected technology helps transit agencies improve visibility, operational efficiency, maintenance, scheduling, and data-driven decision-making. An orange callout highlights the challenges facing today's transit landscape.
SponsoredAugust 2, 2026

Turn Transit Data Into Action

Discover how leading agencies are using connected technology to gain real-time visibility across operations, improve service reliability, and reduce disruptions.

Read More →
An aerial image of SMU/Mockingbird Station with text reading "Transit-Oriented Development. Your Questions, Explained."
Managementby Elora HaynesAugust 1, 2026

What Transit-Oriented Development Means for the Future of Public Transportation

Once viewed primarily as transit operators, agencies are now leveraging land, partnerships, and long-term planning to boost ridership, expand housing, and strengthen communities.

Read More →
A graphic with an image of railroad track in the background and text reading: "$22 Million for Transit Innovation, Updates to High-Speed Rail Rules."
Managementby Staff and News ReportsJuly 31, 2026

USDOT Announces $22 Million for Transit Innovation, Updates High-Speed Rail Rules

New federal transit funding will support safety, accessibility, and technology projects as updated rail regulations establish new noise standards for high-speed trains.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A blue graphic with text reading "TCC Unveils Case Studies Ahead of Federal Funding Deadline."
Managementby Elora HaynesJuly 29, 2026

Transportation Construction Coalition Unveils Infrastructure Case Studies Ahead of Federal Funding Deadline

The coalition noted the next surface transportation bill should provide sustained investment in highways and public transit to strengthen freight movement, improve safety, and support economic growth.

Read More →
Fred Ferguson, President/CEO of the American Bus Association
Managementby Alex RomanJuly 29, 2026

People Movement: American Bus Association Extends Ferguson and More

METRO’s People Movement highlights the latest leadership changes, promotions, and personnel news across the public transit, motorcoach, and people mobility sectors.

Read More →
Driving Change: Award Winners Redefine Industry Standards
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsJuly 29, 2026

METRO Magazine Announces 2026 Innovative Solutions Awards Winners

Projects Recognized for Advancing Mobility Through Technology, Accessibility, Workforce Innovation, and Operational Excellence

Read More →
Ad Loading...
 An MBTA bus
Managementby StaffJuly 28, 2026

MBTA Rolls Out Pilot Programs to Cut Costs, Simplify Travel

Three new fare pilots — including unlimited two-hour transfers, reduced express bus fares, and free transit for eligible seniors — will launch this fall as Massachusetts extends popular commuter rail discounts through November.

Read More →
A public transit bus at a pedestrian crosswalk with text reading "Federal Transit Administration Makes $610 Million Available for Bus Projects."
Managementby StaffJuly 27, 2026

FTA Opens $610 Million Funding Opportunity for Bus Infrastructure Projects

The latest Notice of Funding Opportunity provides transit agencies with funding for bus facilities, fleet modernization, and low- and no-emission vehicles, with applications due September 21.

Read More →
A photo of an Amtrak train with a logo
Managementby Alex RomanJuly 24, 2026

Biz Briefs: STV teams with Amtrak, Motorcoach Operators Boost Fleet and Land Contracts, and More

From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
MBTA rail platform with people walking by.
Managementby Elora HaynesJuly 23, 2026

Massachusetts Approves $530M to Strengthen MBTA Operations, Infrastructure

The funding package targets operating stability, capital improvements, and fare affordability, offering a model for agencies navigating long-term funding challenges.

Read More →