Search Results for agency_names:"Federal Transit Administration"

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.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is reopening the comment period for changes and clarifications to the National Transit Database reporting requirements, originally announced on October 31, 2024. This extension allows more time for transit agencies and affected parties to review and comment on these changes, which impact safety and security reporting. Comments can be submitted by January 29, 2025, through various methods, including online, mail, or fax. The goal is to gather additional input due to the complex nature of the proposals and the holiday period overlapping with the original comment timeframe.

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 announced its final decisions on the replacement of the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City. The new facility will include a Main Terminal and other infrastructures, with some parts of West 41st Street being closed to allow for construction. Any legal claims challenging these decisions must be filed by May 15, 2025. The project aims to improve bus operations and eventually provide public open spaces.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is proposing to update its guidelines on applying drug and alcohol testing rules to transportation network companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft that work with public transit agencies. This update aims to fix previous misunderstandings, particularly about when drivers for these companies need to be part of a drug testing program, especially when they provide critical services such as ADA paratransit. If a transit agency has a contract with TNCs to provide transportation services, the drivers must be tested under federal law, unless the service is chosen randomly by passengers without any control from the transit agency. The FTA is seeking feedback on this proposal before finalizing the rules.

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 Highway Administration, Federal Railroad Administration, and Federal Transit Administration are seeking public comments on their revised guidance for environmental reviews in surface transportation projects. This new guidance updates and replaces previous guidelines and reflects recent changes in laws that aim to improve project evaluation processes. The authorities are accepting comments on its implementation until February 18, 2025, and further details are available online. This notice is part of their ongoing efforts to ensure that transportation projects comply with environmental regulations while improving efficiency.

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) 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) 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.