Federal Transit Administration

In Minneapolis, Metro Transit recently launched its Safe and Strong University Avenue Initiative, an innovative partnership that brings together law enforcement, service providers, and local prosecutors to improve safety throughout the Twin Cities. The initiative increases police visibility on the Green Line and helps connect individuals to treatment, housing, and support services. The collaboration builds on recent safety gains across MT’s system, with onboard police up 20% compared to last year and 40% of riders reporting they feel safer than they did six months ago. FTA is proud to support our law enforcement partners to #MakeCommutingSafeAgain for American families. tinyurl.com/mtxn2vvh 

Last week, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) implemented a new systemwide ban prohibiting anyone who commits serious offenses from entering or using the Metro system, properties, or facilities. FTA wants to partner with transit systems in their efforts to create safer experience for American families, workers, and visitors. We’re happy to see WMATA answering U.S. Department of Transportation call to #MakeCommutingSafeAgain. tinyurl.com/43kmc6km 

Last weekend, FTA Regional Administrator Ray Tellis joined Valley Metro RPTA in Phoenix to celebrate the grand opening of its 5.5-mile South-Central light rail extension. With 8 new stations, the extension will connect downtown to South Phoenix, expanding transit access for thousands and encouraging business investment along the corridor. Riders can now #TakeTransit to Arizona State University, and the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport via the new line. FTA is proud to have invested nearly $530 million in this project during President Trump’s first term.

FTA recently spoke at the 2025 Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) Expo and highlighted guidance to reduce bus collisions and assaults on transit workers using new available data. For more information on how transit agencies can better use safety data to protect workers and riders, visit: tinyurl.com/2a9c39bp

Yesterday, FTA Regional Administrator Ray Tellis spoke at the 2025 Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) Expo, where he emphasized the Administration’s strong support for rural and small urban transit systems nationwide. With more than 20% of Americans living in rural areas—and over 4,500 transit agencies serving them—these systems are essential to connecting communities, sustaining local economies, and expanding opportunity. FTA remains committed to delivering safe, reliable, and accessible transportation for seniors, workers, and families.

Today is International Trespass Awareness Day. FTA joins transit agencies around the world in working to prevent tragic and avoidable injuries on rail systems. When riding or near rail transit… 🚆 Stay alert. 🚷 Stay off the tracks. ✅ Stay safe. 🔗 tinyurl.com/33hc93ma

This week, Kentucky’s TANK (Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky) hosted its first “Ready to Ride” class, a free monthly workshop designed to help new, returning, and current riders gain confidence using public transit. The class covers everything from pre-boarding tips to signaling your stop, and even includes hands-on practice on a real bus. Subsequent classes will be held on the first Monday of each month at TANK’s main office in Fort Wright. Kudos to TANK for making transit more accessible and user-friendly for everyone. 📅 Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/emqp6A5E

Innovation is on the rise in Riverside, CA. As part of the Riverside Transit Agency’s two-year pilot program, riders can now board one of the nation’s first fully self-driving, publicly accessible transit shuttles. Each vehicle operates on a pre-mapped route at up to 25 mph and includes an onboard attendant to assist passengers. Service launched last month at the Riverside Municipal Airport, with additional routes to downtown and UC Riverside expected by the end of the program’s first year. 🚍

As part of President Trump’s “Get America Building Again” agenda, the U.S. Department of Transportation recently executed a first-of-its-kind agreement to streamline historic preservation reviews for transportation projects in Connecticut. The agreement delegates key responsibilities to the Connecticut Department of Transportation, giving the state more control over federally funded road, rail, and transit projects within its borders. This innovative approach is expected to reduce project timelines by at least six weeks, accelerating delivery, cutting red tape, and empowering Connecticut to lead. tinyurl.com/448uh5wd 🛤️🛣️

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. At FTA, we want our transit workers to know that we see them. When radical politicians refuse to enforce law and order the physical safety and mental health of our transit workers suffers. We recognize their commitment to keeping American families moving and call on local officials to prioritize their well-being. FTA has compiled online resources on wellness, resilience, self-care, and more to support the transit industry in addressing mental health and improving security on our nation’s transportation systems. tinyurl.com/bdrhfd79 #mentalhealthawareness