Number: RL34171
Title: Public Transit Program Issues in Surface Transportation Reauthorization
Authors: William J. Mallett, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: This report begins with background on the characteristics of the transit sector and ridership trends. This is followed by a description of the current structure of the federal transit program. The next sections focus on potential reauthorization issues: the overall funding and structure of the transit program; the size and shape of the New Starts program including funding level, types of transit modes funded, project evaluation criteria, the share of local matching funds, and distribution of New Starts funding; issues with the Fixed Guideway Modernization program; distribution of federal funds to rural and small cities; and federal support for paratransit.
Pages: 23
Date: March 28, 2008