Victor Valley Transit Authority (VVTA) is the essential connector for over 10 communities across California’s High Desert. Spanning nearly 1,000 square miles—from Barstow to Apple Valley and beyond—VVTA links rural residents to jobs, schools, healthcare, and more.

Every day, commuters travel “down the hill” on Route 15 to the San Bernadino Transit Center – which connects workers to Los Angeles and other regional hubs; a commuter bus transports military personnel 5 days a week to Fort Irwin; VVTA’s vanpooling service – one of the top 10 vanpooling programs in the country – connects business associates to their daily work shifts and even carries Disneyland cast members to Anaheim; and their on-demand Micro-Link service brings customers to shop at local businesses, medical appointments, schools and more for as little as $2 per trip. For rural communities that might otherwise be hard-to-reach, VVTA is the thread tying them into the economic fabric of the region.

While we’re considered a small agency by national standards, our service area is enormous,” said Chris Ackerman, VVTA’s Public Information Officer and Senior Marketing Manager. “The cities in our region have grown by leaps and bounds over the past 30 years, and the connections we provide help make that continued growth possible. With Victor Valley Transit, people throughout the High Desert have the freedom and access to get where they need to go.”

VVTA’s role as a connector extends throughout the community. Its TRIP program for seniors, who cannot use normal means of public transportation, reimburses them so friends and loved ones can step in to help provide rides. Its partnership with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Transit Unit strengthens riders’ confidence in the safety of the system by providing a presence on routes and at stations. Recently, VVTA donated four retired buses to the Victor Valley College Foundation to support hands-on training for future transit and public safety professionals—an investment in both people and the region’s long-term growth.

Looking forward, proposals like the Brightline West high-speed rail project and the Silverwood Community Development in south Hesperia, CA could bring even more regional connectivity, including to Las Vegas. And while those plans are still developing, VVTA’s existing network is already ensuring the High Desert is connected to major cities and to the life-changing opportunities they provide.

Naval Station Norfolk is more than the world’s largest naval installation—it’s a regional economic engine, home to over 82,000 active-duty service members and nearly 29,000 civilians. With upwards of 20,000 vehicles passing through the gates during morning rush hour, reliable public transportation is a high priority. That’s why the Navy’s growing partnership with Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) has become a model of how transit can support mission readiness, relieve congestion, expand access to opportunity, and improve quality-of-life.

The most visible example is the Base Express, a free shuttle launched in late 2022 to provide convenient, last-mile connections both on and off base. In early 2025, Base Express celebrated its 100,000th rider—quadrupling its initial three-year ridership projection in just two years. The service runs two routes: one circulating among key sites within the base, such as the piers and aquatic center, and another linking nearby off-base transit options and parking lots. “We’re excited to see so many service members taking advantage of this free service,” said William Harrell, President and CEO at Hampton Roads Transit. “We look forward to continuing our work with Naval Station Norfolk to provide mobility options so that service members and base visitors can get around conveniently and efficiently.”

This work extends beyond the Base Express. HRT’s goCommute program operates an on-base office offering personalized support to sailors, civilians, and their families. Through outreach, education, and transit planning, goCommute helps reduce the burden of transportation and connects people with options like vanpools, carpools, and public transit fare support. Together, these efforts are enhancing the quality of life for thousands while easing traffic congestion and supporting the region’s workforce needs.

“The partnership with HRT has really opened up a lot of transportation avenues for our sailors,” said Capt. Matt Schlarmann, Commanding Officer of Naval Station Norfolk. “Especially the ones that do not have their own private vehicle that allows them easy and reliable transit to all parts of the base, as well as to essential services off base.”

To learn more about the Base Express and goCommute program, visit gohrt.com/modes/base-express and gocommute.org/military.

Fort Worth is the thirteenth largest city in the United States, and the nation’s fastest-growing city might be moving up the list soon thanks to its innovative use of capital investment grants (CIG) to better serve a rapidly growing population.

The Trinity Metro system connects residents in cities within Tarrant County, including Fort Worth, Grapevine, North Richland Hills and Blue Mound, with employment opportunities and entertainment and leisure options at the Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) Airport, the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, Fort Worth Zoo and more. Trinity Metro also provides connections to several higher-education campuses, including nearby TCU (Texas Christian University) and downtown’s Texas A&M University School of Law. This access is helping to attract new residents in search of great jobs and other opportunities to the Fort Worth area.

Trinity Metro’s role in the growth of Fort Worth wouldn’t be possible without federal funding for public transit. Trinity Metro has leveraged federal capital investment grants alongside local funding to break ground on the TEXRail expansion to the Fort Worth Medical District, which has an employment base of 50,000. The 2-mile extension will connect to the existing 27-mile commuter rail line, so Fort Worth’s west side will soon have direct connectivity to DFW Airport.

Through CIG, the project received a $980 million grant to fund the original 27-mile route for TEXRail, which opened in January 2019 and was completed $80 million under budget. With the remaining funds, TEXRail initiated a phase-two expansion to connect DFW Airport with Fort Worth’s medical district – further expanding access to employment and business opportunities within Fort Worth.

“Federal funds are incredibly essential for transit authorities to be able to do large-scale capital projects. I don’t know if we would have been able to do a project like TEXRail without federal funds,” said Chad Edwards, the Executive Vice President of Strategy, Planning & Development at Trinity Metro.

Trinity Metro promotes TEXRail’s services to the North Texas region through initiatives like free rides to local events including GrapeFest and Grapevine’s Main Street Fest. These efforts have helped increase ridership by 38% above pre-pandemic numbers.

CIG funding has allowed Fort Worth to improve the Trinity Metro system and provide job and community access to match its booming population growth. If the city’s growth continues at the same rate, funding for Trinity Metro will be an increasingly important way to provide opportunities to Fort Worth residents.

*Visit the Federal Transit Administration’s CIG dashboard to explore the public transportation projects and programs fueled by Capital Investment Grants.

From planes and trains to automobiles – and ferries and busses too – Maine’s public transit has it all. Thanks to Maine’s unique geography and snowy winters, the success of Greater Portland’s communities depends on its interconnected systems, which provide accessible transportation across the state.

“Maine gets rural quick outside of Portland and people need us and rely on us,” said Mike Tremblay, Director of Transit Development for Greater Portland Metro.

The systems Mainers rely on include the Casco Bay Lines ferry service, Amtrak’s Downeaster line, Portland International Jetport airport access, new micro-transit options for rural residents, and three fixed-route bus systems transporting students, tourists, and workers alike. Each of these transportation systems are connected by Greater Portland Metro’s expansive bus system.

Greater Portland Metro’s most successful routes are those that improve residents’ access to their day-to-day needs. Local routes such as Route 2, Route 4, and Route 5 connect Portland to nearby communities, including Westbrook and South Portland, and major shopping and employment centers like the Maine Mall and Rock Row. A peninsula circulator, the Route 8, connects a range of key housing, shopping, and intermodal connections on Portland’s peninsula, as well as direct access to Maine Medical Center. The BREEZ, and express service, connects suburban towns to the heart of Portland and to the regional bus and train network, plus, tourists can use it to access the L.L. Bean flagship store in Freeport. Metro also partners with educational institutions to reduce the need for private automobiles and “big yellow school buses”; the Husky Line that transports students and faculty between campuses of the University of Southern Maine, while Route 9 connects high school students from homes to schools throughout Portland. While they serve different needs, each of these routes keep Portland businesses and communities accessible and thriving.

“Greater Portland Metro takes care to make connections to ferry and regional rail and bus services. We understand that, for those who cannot or do not wish to drive a personal vehicle, fast, frequent, and reliable local transit service is the best way to connect between these services,” said Tremblay.

Portland’s robust, innovative public transportation system is made possible by continued public transportation funding. Maine has been a leader in leveraging federal funding to foster innovation. They directed funding from the CARES Act to continue service and keep drivers in seats during the pandemic; they have grown their fleets and electrified buses through grants from the Department of Transportation; and they have leveraged American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for improved service span and frequency, technology improvements to move buses faster, and improve inaccessible bus stops, in addition to a seven-month fare sale which is running through September 2023.

With this latest funding, Greater Portland Metro is developing a new micro-transit pilot program to expand service to lower-density areas in 2024. This new system, designed specifically for rural residents, will not only help reach new riders, but will make the existing Route 7 fixed-route service more efficient by reallocating time in low-ridership areas to the major corridor along US Route 1 into Portland.

With consistent funding and continued innovation, Maine’s public transportation systems will continue to work together to expand access for customers and makes communities – from small islands to big cities – thrive for years to come.

In the rolling plains of Southwest Iowa, public transit is doing more than getting people from point A to point B—it’s quietly reshaping access to opportunity. “For many rural residents and businesses, transit is vital to people’s ability to work, earn, and plan for their future,” said Chris Parks with the Southwest Iowa Transit Agency (SWITA). “We’re connecting Iowans to reliable, good-paying jobs, and helping employers keep their operations running strong.”

How It Started and How It’s Growing: 

The SWITA “work routes” began in 2012, when SWITA added specialized routes to help Menards, the popular Midwest home improvement retailer, staff its 24/7 distribution center in Shelby, Iowa. Since then, SWITA’s network of work routes has expanded to connect more workers with plants that rely on steady shifts and skilled labor. This includes two major meat processing plants that produce quintessentially American products like hot dogs and bacon – OSI Industries in Oakland and Monogram Foods in Harlan – as well as the manufacturing plant for Carry-On Trailer in Missouri Valley.

Flexible Options to Meet Workers Where They Are: 

“There are a variety of reasons why workers might not want to drive themselves to work every day, and having the option to take public transportation is critical,” says Mark Lander, SWITA Transit Director. “It is also important for us to provide flexible and scalable options to best meet our community’s needs.” To this end, SWITA partners with “Commute with Enterprise” to provide a subsidized vanpool service, allowing employees who live near each other to save money by carpooling together in a recent-model van or SUV. These bring rural residents to a variety of jobs – including to the engineering, technician, and security positions at Google’s Data Center in Council Bluffs.  SWITA also provides a low-cost taxi service to ensure that residents of rural areas and small towns always have a reliable and affordable ride available. “Recent data shows that one-third of SWITA taxi riders use the service to get to work,” said Lander.

Investments in Economic Growth: 

SWITA has been able to stay nimble and responsive to the needs of local employers and their workforce in part because of state and federal funding, which has helped support services, replace buses, and launch work routes, like the OSI route from Atlantic to Oakland. By prioritizing accessibility and fostering partnerships, SWITA is breathing new life into rural economies. Their model offers a glimpse of what’s possible when local innovation and federal investment work together to close the distance between people and opportunity.

With nearly 100,000 workforce transportation rides last year and a growing mix of services, SWITA continues to lead among rural transit agencies. And with back-to-back record-breaking ridership years already behind them, there’s every reason to believe they’re on pace to raise the bar again.

Jacksonville, Florida is becoming the epicenter of public transit innovation in America.

The Jacksonville Transit Authority ordered 14 self-driving transit shuttles from autonomous vehicle manufacturer Holon and reserved up to 100 for future use. The 15-seat autonomous shuttles will be deployed along the planned Bay Street Innovation Corridor, a 3-mile loop between downtown and the sports and entertainment district. The autonomous shuttles will operate on their own elevated roadway, adding another safe, efficient transit option for Jacksonville residents.

Even more exciting for the Jacksonville area is the construction of Holon’s first U.S. production plant, helping Holon’s autonomous fleet meet federal Buy America requirements. As Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan stated, “Jacksonville is poised to be an industry leader in the technology behind AI-driven transportation. The addition of autonomous vehicle manufacturing is another big step towards that goal.” The new 500,000 sq/ft manufacturing facility—the first of its kind in the country—is expected to be  completed in 2026, with the capacity to manufacture 5,000 vehicles a year.

The cutting-edge facility will immediately create 150 jobs, with the potential for the creation of an additional 1,000 jobs through the supply chain. In addition to bringing good-paying jobs to the city, the facility is estimated to generate nearly $300 million in local economic impact by 2028.

Holon’s initiative to manufacture autonomous shuttles in Jacksonville “will signal an important transition for this industry from research and development to high demand, high wage manufacturing jobs in the automobile industry that will additionally create numerous other jobs to support this industry,” said the Secretary for the Florida Department of Commerce J. Alex Kelly.

Transit innovation will enable cities like Jacksonville to offer safe, efficient transportation options for their residents while boosting their local economies.

The METRO Regional Transit Authority (METRO RTA) in Akron is using federal investments in public transportation to fuel economic growth and opportunities.

In 2023, METRO broke ground on a $59 million state-of-the-art maintenance and operations facility, 70% of which is covered by a federal grant. This facility will modernize METRO’s operations—providing functional maintenance space for more than 200 buses, office space for over 40 employees, and capacity to support new service improvements, including rapid transit routes and service expansion,” said Jarrod Hampshire, METRO RTA’s Chief of Staff. “Most importantly, this facility represents an unprecedented investment in our front-line staff to make METRO a premier workplace. This wouldn’t have been possible without support from our elected officials in Washington, D.C.”

Beyond the transit system itself, the project is boosting the regional economy—supporting jobs for architects, construction crews, and other local workers. Once operational, improved transit will continue to connect riders with jobs in healthcare, retail, manufacturing, logistics, and food service—industries vital to Akron’s economy.

METRO has also secured federal funding to purchase 33 new buses manufactured by the California-based company Gillig – an investment that will cascade down through companies across the country that supply the technology and parts for these compressed natural gas buses.

METRO is also pursuing a broader vision for downtown Akron. Near the RKP Transit Center, the agency has proposed a mixed-use development that could include affordable housing, community services, and new administrative space—an investment in both mobility and economic growth that could be eligible for a federal loan through the Build America Bureau.

In 2024, METRO recorded a 23% increase in ridership across Summit County, reflecting rising reliance on public transportation for work, healthcare, and daily life. With federal partnerships in place, METRO can continue building a stronger, more connected Summit County—one where transit delivers not just mobility, but opportunity.

Oklahoma City (OKC) might not be famous for its public transportation – yet – but two OKC communities are gearing up for major transformation thanks to investments in public transportation. The City of Oklahoma City’s transit department – EMBARK – is working to expand public transportation to the Chickasaw Nation’s planned OKANA resort, which will provide access and opportunities for Oklahoma’s tourism industry Native American communities.

Many of those opportunities will come from the array of Chickasaw Nation operated businesses at the OKANA Resort, the $400 million resort that is currently under development and will include a riverfront hotel, spa, adventure lagoon, amphitheater, restaurants, Native American marketplace, and retail outlets. The OKANA resort will serve as a tourist destination – drawing people both to Oklahoma City and to the Chickasaw Nation – and is expected to have a billion-dollar impact on Oklahoma City within a decade.

A proposed bus rapid transit East Route would link the Tinker Air Force base with the planned OKANA resort. The Regional Transportation Authority of Central Oklahoma (RTA) recently approved a future Bus Rapid Transit alignment to provide public transit options to the Tinker Air Force Base, which will benefit military members and contractors who need to get to the base each day for work. It will also allow easier access from the base to leisure activities – like visiting local restaurants and shops. Tinker Air Force Base is Oklahoma’s largest single-site employer.

A $4 million grant for Oklahoma City was among $47.5 million in awards nationwide for 12 ferry services announced by the Federal Transit Administration in 2020. The 20% local match for the grant was provided primarily by the Chickasaw Nation, highlighting the value of the city and tribal partnership. Oklahoma City’s EMBARK transit is the only inland agency on the federal grant list, providing a unique opportunity for the city.

“OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark has been designed to complement the First Americans Museum’s focus on cultural experience as well as to connect visitors to other entertainment experiences along this established and vibrant part of the Oklahoma River. This ferry landing located near our resort will enable visitors to connect easily with the Boathouse District and other attractions along the river,” said Dan Boren, Chickasaw Nation Secretary of Commerce.

EMBARK has been in place since 1966, with changing names over the years. With these two new investments, EMBARK is proving that public transportation plays a huge role in the future of Oklahoma City – not only through expanded access but through the positive economic impact expanded transit will generate for the city, for local businesses, and for individual residents.

The Regional Transportation Authority of Central Oklahoma (RTA) is a regional, independent governmental agency established in 2019, under the laws of the State of Oklahoma.  The originating City councils from each member city – Edmond, Norman, and Oklahoma City, created the regional Authority by resolution.

EMBARK has been in place since 1966, with changing names over the years. With these two new investments, EMBARK is proving that public transportation plays a huge role in the future of Oklahoma City – not only through expanded access but through the positive economic impact expanded transit will generate for the city, for local businesses, and for individual residents.

The Regional Transportation Authority of Central Oklahoma (RTA) is a regional, independent governmental agency established in 2019, under the laws of the State of Oklahoma.  The originating City councils from each member city – Edmond, Norman, and Oklahoma City, created the regional Authority by resolution.

“We look at public transportation as connecting people to opportunity.”

SoundTransit’s wide range of transportation options – from the Link light rail to the Sounder train, to the SoundTransit Express Bus – carries riders and commuters through the Puget Sound, Seattle, and Tacoma areas. SoundTransit’s most popular lines bring locals and tourists alike to event spaces, airports, and fun destinations: ranging from the Taylor Swift Eras Tour concert to Seattle Mariners baseball games.

To better serve their community, SoundTransit is undergoing a large expansion – funded by Capital Investment Grants (CIG). These expansions extend routes, update modes of transportation, and provide more opportunities for extra transit during special events.

These federally funded efforts bring economic growth to the Seattle Region by providing more jobs in transit, construction development, and other industries. The expanded service also helps connect Washington’s cities and towns, allowing people to find jobs and opportunities outside of their immediate community.

Expanded public transit creates more than just new bus lines – it also helps create entirely new communities from the ground up. Once construction staging land isn’t needed anymore, if Sound Transit owns surplus properties, it must offer at least 80% of those properties to nonprofit developers, jurisdictions, or housing authorities to build affordable housing. Sound Transit can discount properties to as low as zero dollars to help make this possible. The affordable homes created are conveniently connected to the jobs and services accessible through public transit. Recently, the first affordable housing high-rise building in 50 years opened on Sound Transit donated land. Another formerly Sound Transit-owned construction staging site is being temporarily leased at no cost for a tiny home village for people previously experiencing homelessness, until it is permanently redeveloped as affordable housing.

“In Seattle, it’s important to have affordable housing because we’re one of the fastest growing cities in the nation and a lot of people are being priced out of the market. These transit-oriented developments allow people to remain in their neighborhoods and be connected to transit hubs in the state,” said John Gallagher, Media Relations Manager for SoundTransit.

Of course, one consequence of their significant expansion efforts has been an increase in construction. That’s why SoundTransit is encouraging riders to shop at locally owned businesses impacted by construction through their “Loyal to Local” program: transforming short-term inconvenience into long-term customer bases. By expanding public transit to more communities and prompting riders to take public transit to support local businesses, SoundTransit is helping neighborhoods flourish.

Through a combination of community engagement, local investment and federal funding, SoundTransit provides valuable services and expanded opportunities to riders, businesses and communities. Continued funding for transit-oriented development will boost Washington’s economic growth for years to come.

*Visit the Federal Transit Administration’s CIG dashboard to explore the public transportation projects and programs fueled by Capital Investment Grants.

Erie, PA – Federal funding is making it possible for Wabtec Corp. to create state-of-the-art, hydrogen-powered passenger rail trains in Erie, Pennsylvania.

A $48.4 million federal grant will help fund the research and development of new passenger train engines and systems that accommodate hydrogen fuel. The program will eventually lead to the re-manufacturing of existing trains at Wabtec’s manufacturing facility in Erie.

Hydrogen-powered trains are at the forefront of rail technology and bring significant transit system improvements. The new trains will manage 10 times the distance with each refueling, compared with battery-powered electric trains. Hydrogen-powered trains are also more efficient than diesel trains and convert 20-30% more fuel into usable electricity than diesel. As an added bonus, the new trains can run on existing passenger rail infrastructure, making its implementation efficient and seamless.

But federal funding does more than advance rail technology—it’s a job creator. Thanks to federal funding, Erie has become a hub of cutting-edge manufacturing jobs. Wabtec’s Erie facility, where it manufactures trains, freight cars, and transit vehicles, employs 2,240 people. And when public transit is built in America, the ripple effects are monumental. In the broader Erie community, over 4,000 jobs are attributable to Wabtec, and its total economic impact is close to $1.25 billion annually.

Continued federal funding is critical for companies like Wabtec to both stay at the forefront of transit innovation and build lasting economic opportunity in communities across the country.