METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Government OKs federal funds to 17 transit projects

FTA gives "recommended" status to projects that will benefit their communities, generate economic activity and remain cost efficient.

February 4, 2004
1 min to read


Federal officials gave the green light Tuesday to 17 transit projects around the nation, including a bus rapid transit project in downtown Cleveland, a second concourse for New York's Grand Central Station and a light rail system in Orange County, Calif.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) also recommended $40 million for a 2.3-mile monorail extension in Las Vegas, $75 million for a 20-mile light rail line in Phoenix and $55 million for a 1.5-mile rail extension in Pittsburgh.

Ad Loading...

Jennifer Dorn, FTA administrator, said “recommended” projects will receive federal funding because they promise to stimulate the local economy, carry enough riders to make them useful and have realistic financing plans.

Dorn also said, however, that just because a project is not recommended does not mean it is a lost cause. Planners can still reduce costs or increase benefits to qualify for funding in the future.

Congress still must approve the recommended proposals as part of the 2005 budget, but an FTA recommendation is a strong indication that a project will be funded.

Topics:Management

More Management

Six-Year Plan Boosts Virginia Transit, Rail Investments
Managementby StaffJune 17, 2026

Virginia's $28.5B Transportation Plan Targets Transit and Rail

Approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board, the program supports ongoing infrastructure projects while providing new investments in transit, state of good repair and transportation alternatives.

Read More →
A color graphic with LIT's logo and text reading "Now Accepting 2027 Host City Proposals."
Managementby Staff and News ReportsJune 17, 2026

Latinos In Transit Seeks Host Organization for 2027 Leadership Summit

The selected host organization will showcase its transit system, projects, and community while welcoming hundreds of industry leaders and emerging professionals during Hispanic Heritage Month.

Read More →
Group announcing BUSES Act
Motorcoachby StaffJune 16, 2026

Bipartisan BUSES Act Seeks Changes to New York City's Bus Idling Enforcement Program

Backed by motorcoach operators, the legislation seeks to balance emissions goals with passenger safety by allowing limited idling for inspections, accessibility needs and extreme weather conditions.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Security and Safetyby StaffJune 16, 2026

DOT: Brightline Corridor Incidents Fall 30% Following Federal Safety Upgrades

Safety improvements funded through a $25 million federal investment are credited with reducing trespassing and train-vehicle collisions along the Brightline Florida corridor.

Read More →
An LA Metro D Line train in Union Station
Managementby StaffJune 16, 2026

D Line Expansion Fuels Growth Across LA Metro's Rail System

Weekend rail ridership was especially strong, soaring 18% as riders embraced expanded access to jobs, entertainment, dining, and cultural destinations, said the agency. Total system ridership for May, including bus and rail, was 26,966,657.

Read More →
Manhattan Congestion Relief Zone Sees Traffic Reduction
Managementby StaffJune 15, 2026

Q4 Travel Data Reveals Drop in Vehicle Traffic to Manhattan Congestion Zone

NYMTC’s quarterly Travel Patterns Report provides a snapshot of travel activity throughout New York City, Long Island, the Lower Hudson Valley, and northern New Jersey using data collected from the agencies operating the region’s bridges, tunnels, and public transit systems.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A user demonstrating Metrolink's contactless fare payment pilot.
Technologyby StaffJune 12, 2026

Southern California's Metrolink Debuts Contactless Fare Payment Pilot

Customers traveling between Redlands and Los Angeles can now tap their preferred payment method, including a credit or debit card, mobile wallet, or wearable device, at station validators before boarding and again while exiting.

Read More →
A BART train on the tracks.
Managementby StaffJune 12, 2026

California's BART Approves FY27 Budget While Maintaining Service Levels

The budget covers July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, a period when pandemic emergency funds run out, the District faces a structural deficit of $375 million, and a regional transit funding measure may appear on the November ballot.

Read More →
An image of a ticket validator in front of a security gate.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsJune 12, 2026

STL Metro Transit To Launch Next-Generation Fare Collection and Security Gates

The St. Louis transit agency will begin the phased rollout of gated station access and integrated fare technology to improve security and the customer experience.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An aerial view of the CATS light rail.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseJune 12, 2026

CATS FY27 Budget Prioritizes Safety, Service

New investments in security, service expansion, and rail development aim to improve the rider experience while keeping fares flat.

Read More →