APTA Urges Congress to Fully Fund Public Transit, Passenger Rail in FY26

APTA sent a letter to the leaders of the House and Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations Subcommittees July 8, urging them to fully fund public transportation and passenger rail at the authorized levels of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) for FY26.

The letter noted that these investments in public transportation drive the U.S. economy. In fact, 77 percent of federal public transportation investments flow to the private sector, and every $1 billion invested creates or sustains 50,000 jobs—family-wage jobs in manufacturing, technology, and services. Specifically, APTA urged Congress to provide $22.3 billion for public transit and $21.0 billion for passenger and freight rail in FY26, when combined with the IIJA’s advance appropriations. At minimum, APTA requested the committee to match President Trump’s FY26 Budget request, which provides $21.2 billion for public transit and $16.5 billion for passenger rail.

APTA added that it strongly supports at least $4.6 billion for FTA’s Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program. “This funding will help our communities begin to address the demand for more mobility choices. These critical infrastructure investments help communities, large and small, design and construct new Bus Rapid Transit, commuter rail, subway, and light rail systems and extensions. Today, 54 projects across the nation are seeking $36 billion of CIG funds in FY26 and subsequent years,” the letter noted.

APTA also is encouraging full funding for passenger rail, including Amtrak, Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail, Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements, and Railroad Crossing Elimination grants.

Finally, in addition to fully funding the IIJA, APTA requests an additional appropriation for public transit agencies to help communities prepare for and offset the transportation costs of the upcoming 2026 World Cup Games and 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. Public transit agencies play a critical role in Mega Events, providing increased capacity and optimized routes and frequency to move millions of fans efficiently. This additional appropriation will help more than a dozen communities showcase the United States, all while driving new revenue and creating jobs.