METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

National parks receive $25M for public transportation

National parks, forests, and wildlife refuges in 20 states will receive funds from the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks Program to implement public transportation within the facilities.

April 6, 2010
2 min to read


Visitors will have a greater number of options for getting around in America’s national parks and on other public lands, thanks to $24.8 million in federal funding announced on Tuesday by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

 

National parks, forests and wildlife refuges in 20 states will receive funds from the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks Program to implement public transportation within the facilities.

Ad Loading...

 

“As Franklin Roosevelt said, ‘There is nothing so American as our national parks,’” said U.S. Transportation Sec. Ray LaHood. “The national parks are American treasures, and Transit in Parks funding will make these national treasures more accessible and enjoyable to everyone.”

 

The U.S. National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will receive funds for 46 projects ranging from new diesel buses at Yosemite National Park in California to ferry improvements at Gulf Island National Seashore in Florida, and visitor shuttle buses in Mount Rainier National Park to bus stop improvements in Arcadia National Park in Maine.

 

Funding to federal land management agencies is administered through reimbursable interagency agreements, and funding to state, local, and tribal recipients is administered like any other FTA grant.

 

“By reducing traffic, Transit in Parks will help preserve the splendor of the national parks experience and protect our country’s natural resources,” said FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff. “The program also improves visitor mobility and ensures access to all, including persons with disabilities.”

 

Congress established the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks Program to enhance the protection of national parks and federal lands and increase the enjoyment of those visiting them.

Ad Loading...

 

Administered by the FTA in partnership with the Department of the Interior and the Forest Service, the program funds capital and planning expenses for alternative transportation systems, such as shuttle buses and bicycle trails in national parks and public lands. The goals of the program are to conserve natural, historical and cultural resources, and reduce congestion and pollution.

 

A complete list of projects and their descriptions can be found at Transit in Parks Summaries.

More Bus

Rendering of Sound Transit's Renton Transit Center
Busby StaffFebruary 5, 2026

Seattle’s Sound Transit Breaks Ground on New Transit Center

The Renton Transit Center project will relocate and rebuild the Renton Transit Center to better serve the regional Stride S1 line, local King County Metro services, and the future RapidRide I Line.

Read More →
David Carol, Baker Alloush, and Jesse Lazarus from METRO's People Movement February 4 edition.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsFebruary 4, 2026

New Rolling Stock Strategy Lead at New York MTA and More in People Movement

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

Read More →
Railby StaffFebruary 2, 2026

Chicago Region Transit Ridership Grows in 2025

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.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
King County Metro electric buses made by GILLIG.
Busby StaffJanuary 30, 2026

Seattle's King County Metro Introduces New Battery-Electric Buses

Rolling out in electric yellow and seafoam blue, the first battery-electric buses purchased from GILLIG will begin serving riders in south King County on February 2.

Read More →
Managementby StaffJanuary 29, 2026

Valley Metro Sees Strong Ridership Growth in 2025

The agency ranked top five among mid-sized U.S. transit systems, defined as agencies with 15 million to 50 million annual trips.

Read More →
Busby StaffJanuary 29, 2026

Subway Customer Satisfaction Reaches Record High, New York MTA Says

The subway system saw increases across all key metrics, with 62% of subway riders reporting they feel satisfied with the system overall.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Busby StaffJanuary 28, 2026

New Orleans RTA Reaches Agreement with ATU

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.

Read More →
Two ABQ RIDE busses at an intersection by Gold street in front of a parking structure.
Busby StaffJanuary 27, 2026

ABQ RIDE Launches Campaign to Bring Riders Back to the Bus

A new citywide campaign highlights free fares, improved service, and major upgrades to Albuquerque’s bus system.

Read More →
Busby StaffJanuary 27, 2026

California's OCTA Advances 2026 Initiatives Centered on Balance and Sustainability

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.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Railby Staff and News ReportsJanuary 26, 2026

People Movement: Virginia's DRPT Names New Director and More

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

Read More →