The U.S. Department of Transportation announced that deadlines for several Federal Transit Administration (FTA) competitive grant programs will be extended for 30 days amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The 30-day extension applies to grant programs currently administered by FTA with active notices of funding opportunities (NOFOs).
Ad Loading...
“To continue to support the transit industry, we are extending the deadlines for all current open NOFOs for 30 days, recognizing that transit agencies are focused on COVID-19 response during this unprecedented public health emergency,” said FTA Acting Administrator K. Jane Williams.
In a call with transit agencies where the extension announcement was made, Secretary Elaine Chao also highlighted the actions taken by FTA so far in response to the crisis, including new flexibility that allows agencies to use existing federal formula funds for emergency-related capital and operating expenses at an increased 80% federal share. She also encouraged transit agency leaders to request other relief from federal requirements as needed by making a request through FTA’s Emergency Relief Docket.
To see the grant programs affected by this announcement, click here.
The region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.
The service is a flexible, reservation-based transit service designed to close the first- and last-mile gaps and connect riders to employment for just $5 per day.
The upgraded system, which went live earlier this month, supports METRO’s METRONow vision to enhance the customer experience, improve service reliability, and strengthen long-term regional mobility.
The agreement provides competitive wages and reflects strong labor-management collaboration, positive working relationships, and a shared commitment to building a world-class transit system for the community, said RTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins.
The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.