NJ TRANSIT TO RECEIVE $13 MILLION FROM FTA AS PART OF CARES ACT

Federal Funds will help Support Local Transportation Efforts for Seniors, Disadvantaged and those with Disabilities

June 24, 2020

NEWARK, NJ – NJ TRANSIT is pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded the agency a $13.3 million grant for its local transportation programs for Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20). The award will help sustain existing local transportation in the rural areas in New Jersey particularly used by senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and the economically disadvantaged.

NJ TRANSIT will distribute the grant funds for operating, planning, capital and administrative expenses for the existing rural transit providers throughout New Jersey.

“We are grateful that the U.S. Department of Transportation recognizes the economic impact of COVID-19 on New Jersey’s local transportation providers and their ability to provide essential services to remote and vulnerable populations,” said Governor Murphy. “By providing the vast majority of these funds to counties and municipalities, we can ensure that transit services remain accessible and available to our rural communities who depend upon them.”

“Residents in rural areas who most depend on these essential services can be confident that the transportation they desperately need will be sustained thanks to this funding,’’ said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin Corbett. “This support for our local providers will help fill transportation gaps for New Jersey’s transit-dependent residents.’’

The grant is part of the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

In addition to the CARES Act funding, the FTA issued a Safety Advisory that prompts transit agencies to develop and implement policies and procedures regarding face coverings and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces, physical separation, and hand hygiene consistent with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidance.  CARES Act funding can be used to cover 100 percent of these costs. 

About NJ TRANSIT

NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 925,000 weekday trips on 253 bus routes, three light rail lines, 12 commuter rail lines and through Access Link paratransit service. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 166 rail stations, 62 light rail stations and more than 19,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.

This document and others are available for translation on njtransit.com.