Federal Investment Expands Transit Operations

Congress recently passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which provides $21.1 billion for public transportation under the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Bill. Transit agencies in Virginia and Florida thanked the Administration and their elected representatives for sponsoring projects to advance transit options to keep people connected and economies growing.

HRT Paratransit Fleet

Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) is expanding its paratransit fleet with $850,000 it will receive in federal funding for vehicles. HRT calls its paratransit service a “lifeline” for customers with disabilities, helping them engage in the community and travel to medical appointments.

It serves locations within three-quarters of a mile of existing fixed-route services using lift-equipped vehicles in Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach, VA.

The service has seen growth and improvement. Ridership grew by 7 percent in 2025 compared to 2024, serving a monthly average of 36,000 customers. On-time performance improved to 93 percent in 2025, up from 88 percent a year earlier, following the switch to a new operating contractor.

“This new funding will help us renew and grow our paratransit fleet so we can continue to provide safe and reliable service to our customers who rely on this service to get to work, medical appointments, shopping, and other destinations,” said HRT President and CEO, William E. Harrell.

PSTA Ferry Service

The THUD Bill awarded Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) $850,000 for a permanent ferry dock in Tampa and $828,000 to restore a dock in Dunedin and support ferry service in Clearwater. Both efforts aim to support tourism, workforce mobility, and congestion relief along the intracoastal corridor.

In Tampa, the permanent ferry dock will be used by the Tampa Bay Ferry to connect St. Petersburg and Tampa. “Transportation remains a major challenge for the Tampa Bay region, but with this additional funding we are one step closer to delivering a reliable Tampa Bay ferry system, offering alternative methods of transportation and reducing roadway congestion,” said Mayor Kenneth T. Welch.

Noting the economic return delivered by investment in public transportation, PSTA Chief Executive Officer Brad Miller said, “This investment creates lasting regional infrastructure that gives residents and visitors more transportation choices, and fuels economic activity along our waterfront communities.”

In Dunedin and Clearwater, in addition to the dock restoration, the project will support Clearwater Ferry service between Dunedin, Downtown Clearwater, and Clearwater Beach.

Vice Mayor of Dunedin, Rob Walker said the investment “will support ferry service transporting an estimated 25,000 rides in its first year, while promoting tourism, easing roadway congestion during peak travel times, and preserving the maritime character that defines our region.”