Search Results for agency_names:"Federal Transit Administration"

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced a delay in the start date for new guidance on third-party contracting, originally set for February 18, 2025, now postponed to March 20, 2025. This guidance, known as Circular C 4220.1G, replaces a previous version from 2013 and incorporates updates due to changes in laws and regulations. The delay is in response to a presidential memorandum aiming for a regulatory freeze and will allow further review. The change is effective immediately and is exempt from standard notice and comment procedures due to the urgency of the situation.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced that it will not enforce the regulations of the State Safety Oversight final rule, which was published on October 18, 2024, until March 20, 2025. This decision aligns with the President's memorandum titled “Regulatory Freeze Pending Review,” which suggests delaying rules to ensure they align with current laws and policies. The rule aims to implement new safety requirements from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and streamline notification processes. This pause allows time for a thorough review to confirm their compliance with legal and administrative principles.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is considering changes to regulations concerning charter services provided by recipients of federal financial assistance. This proposed rule aims to remove specific outdated programs and guidance listed in appendices, update citations, and clarify regulations without making substantive changes. Key revisions include relocating certain information to the FTA website, removing the outdated appendix A list of Federal programs, and clarifying which human service organizations need to register to receive charter services. The proposed changes are intended to streamline processes and reduce administrative burdens without significantly affecting current requirements or imposing economic impacts.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has set up an Emergency Relief Docket for 2021 to assist organizations affected by national or regional emergencies or disasters. This measure allows grant recipients and sub-recipients to request temporary relief from FTA administrative and statutory requirements. To apply for relief, individuals should submit petitions through the online docket or by mail, including specific information about their situation. While the FTA can provide short-term, conditionally granted relief for administrative requests, statutory requirements need a formal decision from the FTA Administrator.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has released a final version of its updated Third-Party Contracting Guidance Circular (C 4220.1G), which replaces the old version (C 4220.1F). The update includes changes brought about by new laws and regulations and provides additional guidance for FTA's assistance programs. The FTA also addressed various public comments, making adjustments where needed, but mostly ensuring the guidelines align with existing federal standards. Most suggestions from stakeholders were acknowledged but not incorporated, as they often went beyond the scope of the federal requirements.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is offering a funding opportunity worth $5 million under the Public Transportation Innovation Program to manage a new Technology Transfer (T2) Program. The T2 Program aims to promote the deployment of innovative research in public transportation. Eligible applicants include various government entities, transportation providers, and educational institutions. Applications must be submitted through grants.gov by February 11, 2025.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is considering a temporary waiver for the Buy America requirements on battery electric minibuses due to the lack of U.S.-manufactured options that meet these standards. This waiver would allow transit providers to buy these buses despite not meeting local manufacturing rules, as long as certain conditions are met, like having a battery-powered system and specific vehicle size and design features. The FTA seeks public feedback on whether they should implement this waiver or make any changes to it. If the waiver is granted, it will help improve access to zero-emission public transportation for routes with fewer passengers, potentially leading to reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has set up an Emergency Relief Docket for 2025, allowing public transportation agencies affected by emergencies or disasters to request temporary relief from certain requirements. If these rules hinder their response efforts during such situations, grantees or subgrantees can request waivers for specific regulations. The process involves submitting a petition detailing the need for relief. The FTA will review these requests and provide a decision within three business days, with the possibility for reconsideration based on any new information or comments received.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is seeking public comments on their proposed information collection related to the Transit COVID-19 Response Program. This request is in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and aims to renew the existing framework for a three-year period to enable swift data collection during future public health emergencies. Although the formal COVID-19 emergency has ended, the FTA wants to continue gathering data to assess its impact on transit systems. Comments can be submitted until January 29, 2025, to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which will decide on the approval of this information collection.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) of the Department of Transportation has announced the availability of final policy guidance for the Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program. This guidance updates the initial policy from January 2023 and incorporates public feedback from earlier in 2024. It provides details about the steps and criteria projects must meet to qualify for discretionary funding. Certain projects already in progress may continue under the old guidance, but they can opt to switch to the new guidelines if they choose.