Washington, D.C. (January 21, 2026) – The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) today applauded House and Senate Appropriations Committee leaders for releasing a bipartisan Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Act as part of H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026.

The legislation delivers the vast majority of public transit and passenger rail investments authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

“This bipartisan agreement is a strong affirmation that public transit and passenger rail are essential national infrastructure,” said Paul P. Skoutelas, President and CEO of APTA. “It provides funding certainty that allows public transit agencies to continue investing in capital projects, safety, and reliable service that millions of Americans rely on every day.”

Together with IIJA advance appropriations, the FY 2026 THUD Appropriations Act provides $21.1 billion for public transit and $15.9 billion for passenger and freight rail.

“Every $1 invested in public transportation delivers approximately $5 in long-term economic value, and 77 percent of federal public transportation investment flows to the private sector—supporting jobs, American manufacturing, and domestic supply chains,” Skoutelas added.

Key takeaways from the FY 2026 THUD Appropriations Act include:

Public Transit

  • Provides $21.1 billion for public transit in FY 2026, an increase of $168 million over FY 2025 enacted levels.
  • Fully funds Federal Transit Administration (FTA) formula grants and bus competitive grants at authorized levels.
  • Provides $3.3 billion for Capital Investment Grants (CIG) for 21 designated New Start, Core Capacity, and Small Start projects, with required allocations within 120 days of enactment.
  • Includes $211.4 million for targeted public transit initiatives, including ferry grants, public safety operating support, and Congressionally Directed Spending projects.
  • Provides $100.3 million for public transportation needs related to the FIFA World Cup and $94.3 million to support transportation for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
  • Retains key transit policy provisions, including protections against across-the-board formula funding cuts and safeguards for CIG project advancement.

Passenger and Freight Rail

  • Provides $15.9 billion for passenger and freight rail in FY 2026.
  • Includes $2.4 billion for Amtrak grants, supporting both the National Network and the Northeast Corridor.
  • Increases CRISI grants to $137 million to support safety and infrastructure improvements, including positive train control.

U.S. Department of Transportation Programs

  • Provides $1.6 billion for BUILD grants, including $145 million in FY 2026 discretionary funding.
  • Establishes new oversight and transparency requirements for DOT discretionary grantmaking.

The House is expected to vote on H.R. 7148 in the coming days, with Senate consideration planned ahead of the January 30 deadline.

“APTA urges Congress to move swiftly to approve this legislation and ensure continued, predictable federal investment in public transportation and passenger rail,” Skoutelas said.

For more details, visit:

Media contact: Amy Thompson, athompson@apta.com, 202-285-2997.

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