Eighteen large transit projects in 11 states across the nation were recommended to receive $4.45 billion for construction by U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. These large rail and bus rapid transit (BRT) projects were recommended to receive federal support in President Biden’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Budget Request to Congress.

The projects will improve how people travel in their communities, create and sustain jobs in construction and operations, and help communities provide better, more frequent transit service. More transit means more access for everyone – to economic opportunities and services essential for daily life – as well as reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change.

Nine projects are recommended to receive funding for the first time:

• In California, the Monterey-Salinas Transit SURF! Highway 1 Busway and Bus Rapid Transit project, connecting the cities of Marina, Sand City, and Seaside and including a dedicated busway to reduce congestion, improve on-time performance, and expand transit ridership. ($14 million)
• In Colorado, the Regional Transportation District East Colfax Avenue Bus Rapid Transit project line will run from Denver Union Station to the Anschultz Medical Campus, including 5.5 miles of dedicated lanes, level boarding, off-board fare collection, and transit signal priority. ($118.8 million)
• In Illinois, the Chicago Transit Authority Red Line Extension project will add 5.6 miles of heavy rail to Chicago’s Far South Side, reducing commute times, improving mobility and accessibility for transit-dependent residents, and promoting economic development. ($350 million)
• In Minnesota, the Metropolitan Council METRO F Line Bus Rapid Transit project will connect the northeast area of Minneapolis to the suburban communities of Columbia Heights, Hilltop, Fridley, Spring Lake Park, and Blaine. It will provide faster, more reliable bus service. ($45.3 million)
• In North Carolina, the City of Raleigh’s Wake Bus Rapid Transit Southern Corridor project will connect downtown Raleigh with downtown Garner and serves major job and activity centers to address existing travel demand and facilitate ridership growth. ($77.8 million)
• In South Carolina, the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments’ Lowcountry Bus Rapid Transit project will connect North Charleston with downtown. It includes the purchase of 19 electric buses to provide a convenient, clean and green ride. ($100 million)
• In Texas, the Chicago Transit Authority’s University Corridor Bus Rapid Transit project will traverse Houston in dedicated transit-only lanes for the entire route, improving transit connections to activity centers and other services. ($150 million)
• In Utah, the Utah Department of Transportation FrontRunner Strategic Double Track project will include double-tracking sections of the current FrontRunner system, and purchasing 10 new train sets, increasing capacity. ($316.8 million)
• In Utah, the City of Raleigh Midvalley Connector Bus Rapid Transit project will build 1.4 miles of dedicated bus lanes and serve residents across Salt Lake City, including students at Salt Lake Community College. ($54.7 million)

The President’s FY 2024 Budget also includes proposed funding for four projects with existing construction grant agreements:

• In California, $643 million is recommended for two projects: the Los Angeles Westside Subway Section 2 and Section 3 rail projects. The Westside Subway provides a critical connection for the region’s second-largest job center and connects downtown Los Angeles with the Westside.
• In Minnesota, $291.9 million is recommended for the Minneapolis Southwest Light Rail Transit project. The Southwest Light Rail adds 14.5 miles to the existing METRO Green Line and connects downtown Minneapolis, downtown Saint Paul, St. Louis Park, Hopkins, Minnetonka, and Eden Prairie.
• In Washington, $250.7 million is recommended for the Seattle Lynwood Link Light Rail extension project. This project will extend the light rail system from Northgate station in King County to the Lynnwood City Center Station in Snohomish County and is intended to relieve congestion, improve transit performance, and enhance mobility choices.

The FY 2024 budget request also includes proposed funding for five projects in the CIG/EPD pipeline, which continues funding recommendations for projects that received partial funding in prior budgets:

In California:

• $500 million recommended for the BART Silicon Valley Phase II Project will extend BART service six miles through downtown San Jose to Santa Clara and will enhance connectivity of regional transit services, promote economic development, and improve mobility.
• $167 million recommended for the East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor Phase I Project through FTA’s Expedited Project Delivery Program. This light rail transit system would improve mobility in eastern San Fernando Valley by providing an improved north-south transit connection.

In Minnesota:

• In Minnesota, $28.8 million to the City of Rochester for the Rochester Bus Rapid Transit project. The Rochester BRT will connect commuters, residents, and students to multiple medical centers and the University of Minnesota-Rochester and will operate on one of the most heavily used transportation corridors in the city.

 New York/New Jersey:

• $700 million recommended for the proposed Hudson Tunnel Project to improve reliability for NJ Transit and Amtrak trains to support construction of a new two-track heavy rail tunnel along the Northeast Corridor from the Bergen Palisades in New Jersey to Manhattan.
• $496.8 million recommended for the proposed Second Avenue Subway Phase II Project. The Second Avenue Subway project will provide transit access in Manhattan to East Side residents, workers, and visitors, and improve mobility for all New Yorkers.

-via Press Release