Federal Support of Public Transportation Operating Expenses

Almost all of the money provided by the federal government to maintain public transportation service has been obligated, and many agencies expect large operating budget deficits in FY2024 and beyond. Consequently, public transportation agencies are likely to need additional governmental support to avoid reduced services and employee layoffs. Some states and local governments have announced greater support for transit agencies. Additionally, transit agencies are implementing other changes such as increases in fares and operating efficiencies. Another possibility to address the expected operating budget deficits is greater federal operating support, either as a greater share of existing funding support or in addition to the current funding level. This report begins by discussing how public transportation funding is expended and how federal support for operating expenses has changed over time. It then outlines the potential issues Congress faces with supporting operating expenses and the options it might consider if it chooses to address those issues. For example, options for Congress might include funding operations on a short-term basis or—given the likely long-term decline in public transportation ridership and fare revenue—greater, long-term federal support for public transportation operating costs.

• Record URL:
  • https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R47900
• Supplemental Notes:
  • This report is updated periodically while the text remains available at the URL indicated above. The actual date of publication, pagination, and other features may differ from that indicated in this record.
• Corporate Authors:

  Congressional Research Service

  Washington, DC  United States 
• Authors:
  • Mallett, William J
• Publication Date: 2024-1-18

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Version 3
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 22p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Expenditures; Government funding; Policy, legislation and regulation; Public transit
• Subject Areas: Finance; Policy; Public Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01906492
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: R47900
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 31 2024 9:11AM