Department of Transportation's Livable Initiative

 On December 1st, U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood announced $280 million in funding for the Livability Initiative, of which, $150 million will be allocated for buses and bus facilities for urban and rural areas under this discretionary funding mechanism. 

 The Announcement says:

 “A second pot of money totaling $150 million in unallocated discretionary Bus and Bus Facility funds will be available for projects that will foster the preservation and enhancement of urban and rural communities by providing new mobility options which provide access to jobs, healthcare, and education, and/or contribute to the redevelopment of neighborhoods into pedestrian-friendly vibrant environments.

 The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) plans to announce grants early in 2010.  Key lawmakers on Capitol Hill greeted the news with enthusiasm.”  

For more information, please go to, http://www.fta.dot.gov/news/news_events_10868.html

FTA Launches Bus Safety and Security Website for Small Urban and Rural Transit Agencies.

October 2009, The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) launched a new website designed to help rural and small urban transit providers develop and carry out effective safety, security and emergency preparedness programs.

The site, http://bussafety.fta.dot.gov/ gives access to a comprehensive resource library that contains over 1,000 technical assistance documents.  These resources can be used  to help transit agencies assess their programs' strengths and weaknesses, and a community forum to support peer-to-peer information sharing.

For more information, please go to, http://www.fta.dot.gov/news/news_events_10661.html