SEPTA One of Fifty Transit Agencies to Receive Grant Funding
June 3, 2022
Fifty transit agencies across 24 states will share $25 million to help restore and improve service that has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced the grant awards on Thursday, June 2, 2022, which were funded by President Biden's and will help provide Americans in communities across the country with better transit service including expanded routes, Bus Rapid Transit, and on-demand service.
"Throughout the pandemic, our transit agencies and the essential workers who operate them have kept this country moving – ensuring people could continue to get to work, school, medical appointments, and more," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. "Now, thanks to President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, they will have the resources they need to better serve riders across the country."
Grants are provided through FTA's Route Planning Restoration Program and will help transit agencies with planning projects to increase ridership and reduce travel times in response to changes in travel patterns that occurred during the pandemic. The program also supports local efforts to increase the quality or frequency of transit service for low-income riders and those in disadvantaged communities who may need more options to get to jobs, school and health care. Eligible recipients included any Urbanized Area Formula Grant recipient that had reduced transit service on or after January 20, 2020, due to COVID-19.
"The Route Restoration Program will greatly assist transit agencies nationwide in eliminating barriers and increasing equity in underserved communities," said FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez. "COVID-19 drastically altered how transit systems operate, and these funds will provide an opportunity for them to take a fresh look at their systems and routes, to ensure that everyone has access to transportation."
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), in conjunction with the City of Philadelphia, will receive $500,000 to identify, study, and develop transportation improvements for the North Philadelphia West neighborhood between 18th and 33rd Street, and Lehigh and Girard Avenue, an area of roughly two square miles. This area is served by nine bus routes, with service concentrated on seven primary transit corridors.
