Federal Transit Administrator Jenna Dorn is urging publicly-funded transit agencies to "respect the needs of private sector agencies to operate effectively in a competitive marketplace for services that do not receive subsidies." In a letter to all subsidized transit systems, Dorn emphasized the need to "work together to maintain the vitality and effectiveness of every component of our [transportation] system." She reminded transit managers that the FTA's predecessor agency, the Urban Mass Transportation Administration, issued rules about transit competition with private bus and motorcoach companies in 1987 which are still in effect. Along with the letter, Dorn sent a brochure explaining the rules and offering questions and answers for transit agencies. The FTA Website features the agency's charter rules at http://www.fta.dot.gov/library/legal/cbs.html.
Transit agencies urged to 'respect private operators'
A letter from the FTA reinforces rules against transit competition with private bus operators.
More Management

C-TRAN Sees Fourth Consecutive Year of Ridership Growth
The total ridership includes all fixed-route bus service, C-VAN paratransit service, The Current, Vanpool, and special event service. Almost all individual routes saw year-over-year increases from 2024 to 2025.
Read More →
Free Rides, Civil Rights, and the Legacy of Rosa Parks in 2026
Transit agencies across the U.S. commemorated Transit Equity Day with zero fares and a renewed focus on access and equity.
Read More →
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 →Establishing Standards & Codes in Canada, with CSA’s Ana-Maria Tomlinson
In this episode of METROspectives, METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman sits down with Ana-Maria Tomlinson, Director of Strategic & Cross-Sector Programs at the Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group).
Read More →
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 →
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 →
Chicago's Pace Expands VanGo Mobility Program
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.
Read More →
Foothill Gold Line Board Awards Claremont Extension Design Contract to Parsons, Maintains Board Leadership for 2026
Parsons wins the $60M Claremont Extension design contract as the Foothill Gold Line board reaffirms leadership during a pivotal project phase.
Read More →
Houston METRO Introduces RideMETRO Fare System
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.
Read More →
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 →
