APTA Backs Senators’ Call for Robust Investments in FY27 Transportation Approps. Bill

On May 13, APTA applauded 44 Senators, led by Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA), for their call to ensure robust transportation investment, including advance appropriations, in the FY27 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations bill, or risk cutting public transportation investments to the lowest level in a decade.

In a letter to U.S. Senate Leaders and Senate Committee on Appropriations leaders, the lawmakers underscored that the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)—including advance appropriations that are set to expire at the end of FY26—has funded more than 60,000 projects nationwide and must continue to avoid sharp investment cuts.

“APTA applauds Senator Cantwell and her colleagues for recognizing what’s at stake and calling for investment in our nation’s multimodal transportation system that builds upon current levels,” said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “The IIJA demonstrated what guaranteed passenger rail investment can deliver: more than 500 projects funded across 49 states, strengthening the corridors that move workers, connect communities, and support supply chains.”

Commuter and intercity passenger rail programs face steep cuts without action. Rail Crossing Elimination Grants would be eliminated and Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Grants would be reduced by 88 percent, despite billions of dollars in unmet demand for commuter and intercity passenger rail projects across the U.S.

APTA calls on Congress to provide robust public transit and passenger rail investment that builds upon current investment levels (including guaranteed funding).

“Predictable, long-term federal investment gives communities the confidence to plan, build, and deliver the projects Americans depend on,” Skoutelas added. “We’re strongly encouraged by the extraordinary leadership behind this effort and look forward to working with Congress to advance legislation that strengthens public transit and passenger rail, creates jobs, and keeps our economy moving.”

APTA’s 2026 Surface Transportation Authorization Recommendations call for $138 billion for public transit and $130 billion for passenger rail over five years, building on the IIJA’s success with predictable funding that drives job creation, innovation, and economic growth.