It will cost $77 billion to shore up U.S. ground transportation infrastructure
It would cost $77.7 billion to bring the U.S. mass transit systems, bus and rail included, into a state of good repair; most of the $77.7 billion backlog can be attributed to rail, but more than 40 percent of the U.S. buses also are in poor to marginal condition; in addition, an annual average of $14.4 billion would be required to maintain the systems
It isn't just buses and trains that are in need of repair // Source: onnyturf.com
It would cost $77.7 billion to bring the U.S. mass transit systems, bus and rail included, into a state of good repair, according to a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) study released last Wednesday. Most of the $77.7 billion backlog can be attributed to rail, but more than 40 percent of the U.S. buses also are in poor to marginal condition. In addition, an annual average of $14.4 billion would be required to maintain the systems, according to the study.
“State of Good Repair” for the U.S. transportation network is one of the five system-wide goals included in Secretary LaHood’s proposed Strategic Plan for the Department of Transportation. The assessment is available here.
“Transit remains one of the safest forms of transportation, but this report shows the clear need to reinvest in our bus, subway and light-rail systems,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said, in a news release. “As a nation we must lead when it comes to infrastructure development and commit ourselves to rebuilding America.”
FTA’s National State of Good Repair Assessment Study was requested by LaHood as a follow-up to the 2009 Rail Modernization Study report to Congress. The transit study provides a comprehensive analysis of the costs required to bring the U.S. rail and bus transit systems into good operating order. The study is based on data provided by thirty-six additional rail and bus operators in rural and urban areas.
“Investment in the nation’s transit infrastructure is important to a healthy economy and most importantly, the safety and well-being of our riders,” Administrator Peter Rogoff added, in the release.
Rogoff in April announced the availability of $775 million through a competitive State of Good Repair funding program that will invest in the nation’s transit facilities. About 400 applications, representing $4.2 billion in requests, have been received and are now being reviewed.
