It would cost $77.7 billion to bring the nation's mass transit systems, bus and rail included, into a state of good repair, according to a recent Federal Transit Admininstration study.
While most of this backlog can be attributed to rail, more than 40 percent of the nation's buses also are in poor to marginal condition. In addition, an annual average of $14.4 billion would be required to maintain the systems.
FTA's National State of Good Repair Assessment Study was requested by U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood as a follow-up to the 2009 Rail Modernization Study report to Congress. The transit study provides a comprehensive analysis of the costs required to bring the nation's rail and bus transit systems into good operating order. The study is based on data provided by 36 additional rail and bus operators in rural and urban areas.
The availability of $775 million through a competitive funding program will invest in the nation's transit facilities. About 400 applications, representing $4.2 billion in requests, have been received and are being reviewed.
