Van Hollen, Cardin Announce $3.6 Million in Funding for WMATA Bus Facilities

U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) today announced $3.6 million in federal funding through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). This funding will go towards improving bus facilities, including replacing old bus shelters that are damaged.

“WMATA serves thousands of Marylanders annually as they commute to and from work. It’s crucial that we ensure a safe and reliable trip for all riders, and these investments will help do just that,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Budget and Appropriations Committees. “I will continue working to provide WMATA with the resources it needs to best serve our communities.”  

“This federal investment in WMATA represents a federal investment in Maryland’s commuter workforce, a growing number of whom depend on Metro to get to and from work,” said Senator Cardin, Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee. “These funds will help bring us one step closer to ensuring that every commuter’s ride is safe, reliable and efficient. I’m committed to that cause and will keep fighting to ensure WMATA has the support it needs.”

The FTA provides financial and technical assistance to local public transit systems. This funding comes through the Bus and Bus Facilities Infrastructure Investment Program, which makes federal resources available to states and direct recipients to replace, rehabilitate, and purchase buses and related equipment, as well as construct bus-related facilities, including technological changes or innovations to modify low- or no-emission vehicles or facilities. Senators Cardin and Van Hollen supported and secured significant funding for the FTA in the FY 2018 Omnibus.