OPENING LINES FTA ADMINISTRATOR PLEDGES PARTNERSHIP WITH TRANSIT AUTHORITIES ON SAFETY, EFFICIENCY, ACCESSIBILITY Source: www.smartcitiesdive.com, Dan Zukowski, First Published September 17th, 2025 Federal Transit Administrator Marcus Molinaro promised to reduce regulatory burdens and accelerate project delivery while urging transit agencies to address crime and operate efficiently. DIVE BRIEF: • Federal Transit Administrator Marcus Molinaro said safety, efficiency and accessibility are among the agency’s top priorities during an address Monday at the American Public Transportation Association’s annual meeting in Boston. • Molinaro emphasized the FTA’s role as a partner in helping people get where they need to go and the role of local authorities in transit development and public safety. • “American families want to trust that when they enter and make use of a public transportation system, that they will get to where they’re going efficiently, effectively, affordably and safely,” he said. DIVE INSIGHT: A new administration in the White House brought changes in federal priorities for cities, states and transit authorities this year. In April, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy threatened funding for projects that include diversity, equity and inclusion practices. In August, the FTA proposed new guidelines that would eliminate the “social cost of carbon” calculation for Capital Investment Grant programs, returning to a methodology used before 2013. During Monday’s speech, Molinaro outlined the main priorities for transit agencies, governing bodies and the FTA. 9 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx