Federal Transit Administration

🍀 Heading out to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Make a smart choice by leaving the driving to professionals. Public transit offers a reliable way to get to and from the many parades, festivals and celebrations across the country. Dodge the traffic, skip parking headaches, and most importantly, stay safe on the roads by choosing to #TakeTransit. 🚇🚌 Plan your route in advance and check with your local transit agency for special holiday service. Let’s make this St. Patrick’s Day fun, safe and green in more ways than one!

During the first full week of federal employees returning to full-time in-person work in the nation’s capital, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) and other transit agencies have been integral in connecting workers to their offices in Washington, D.C. Metrorail and regional bus services have stepped up to provide tens of thousands of commuters a smooth, safe ride and reduce traffic congestion on streets throughout the DMV. FTA appreciates the critical role transit systems play nationwide in keeping our workforce and economy moving.

In 2024, Benzie Bus in Benzie County—a rural community in northwest Michigan—provided a record-breaking 112,000 trips, an 11% increase over the previous year and its highest ridership ever. Many of these trips connected riders to jobs, healthcare, and community resources, reinforcing the vital role of transit in an area where many travel long distances to reach job centers, like the City of Traverse City, Michigan, more than 30 miles away. With plans to expand service in 2025, Benzie Bus remains committed to keeping the county moving and ensuring reliable transportation for all.

The City of Jackson, TN is expanding its transit service. Jackson Transit Authority recently introduced 8 new paratransit vehicles to its fleet, enhancing accessible transportation for riders with disabilities. Located about 85 miles east of Memphis and home to 68,000 residents, Jackson serves as an economic and healthcare hub for surrounding rural communities. The $1 million investment, which FTA supported with over $734,000, ensures residents have reliable options to #TakeTransit to medical appointments, shopping and other essential services.

Last week, FTA took the stage at the Lifesavers Conference on Roadway Safety to highlight efforts to prevent bus collisions and enhance bus safety. Learn about how FTA is working to keep riders and pedestrians safe: tinyurl.com/mr3njc8t

A new era for NYC subways has arrived. Last week, the first open gangway train hit the tracks on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s G line, offering commuters a smoother, more spacious ride. What’s an open gangway? It’s a seamless connection between train cars, allowing riders to move freely, reducing crowding and improving passenger flow. The new trains also feature wider doors, brighter lighting and digital displays for improved accessibility and real-time updates. With more of these next-gen trains rolling out in the coming months, MTA is modernizing transit for the 166,000 daily riders who count on the G line every day. A better commute starts now! bit.ly/41qvnsd 🚇

Congratulations to IndyGo for recently breaking ground on its new Blue Line bus rapid transit route. The 24-mile, 30-station line will connect Indianapolis International Airport, downtown Indy and the Town of Cumberland, IN, cutting travel times by up to 30% and improving daily service for thousands of riders. FTA supported the project with nearly $150 million, helping IndyGo expand fast, frequent and reliable transit throughout the City of Indianapolis region. bit.ly/3DhYzKd

Today, the U.S. Department of Transportation called on Washington, D.C. leaders to strengthen the safety and security of the city’s transportation systems. As federal workers return to the office, Secretary Duffy has directed FTA and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), the nation’s 4th largest transit agency, to document actions and funding that ensure security for all passengers and workers using WMATA Metrorail and buses. bit.ly/4bwL1a6

Calling all young Utah artists: Utah Transit Authority’s 2025 My BeUTAHful youth art competition is open for K-12 students, offering a chance to showcase their creativity on UTA bus shelters. Winning artists will receive a cash prize and have their artwork featured across the community. Who said buses can’t be beautiful? 🎨🖌️ bit.ly/3EUtrAN

CapMetro in Austin, TX, recently launched 2 new BRT lines, Expo Center and Pleasant Valley, bringing faster, more reliable service to Austin’s busiest transit corridors. ✅ Expo Center BRT: 12 miles & 22 stations, connecting downtown, The University of Texas at Austin, several medical facilities and the Travis County Exposition Center. FTA supported this project with over $30 million. ✅ Pleasant Valley BRT: 14 miles & 19 stations, extending transit access to rapidly growing East Austin. FTA contributed nearly $34.5 million in funding. The lines are part of Project Connect, CapMetro’s vision for a more connected, sustainable transit future. FTA is proud to support this initiative to meet the growing transportation needs of the Austin community—cutting commute times, reducing traffic congestion and enhancing transit access to jobs, schools, and healthcare. bit.ly/4hcrdKt