Transportation Secretary Proposes Cuts to Mass Transit and Bike Funding

The Facts -

Transportation Funding Plans Face Potential Overhaul Amid Controversy

In a move that could reshape the future of public transportation funding, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has suggested significant changes to the Highway Trust Fund. These proposals have sparked a wave of reactions from policymakers and stakeholders across the transportation sector.

Proposed Changes to the Highway Trust Fund

In a recent letter to influential senators, Secretary Duffy proposed the elimination of the Highway Trust Fund’s mass transit account, which currently supports public transportation. This proposal is part of the administration’s broader transportation priorities, detailed in the July 22 letter. The suggested changes also include reducing funding for Complete Streets activities, which emphasize pedestrian and bicyclist safety, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Additionally, a competitive grant program designed to address traffic congestion in cities would exclude public transit system improvements and tolling programs from consideration. Notably, members of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure were not included in the correspondence, despite their role in drafting the relevant legislation.

Impact on Federal Public Transit Funding

The current draft of the House bill allocates $87.6 billion from the mass transit account over the fiscal years 2027 to 2031. This represents an increase from the $69.8 billion outlined in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The potential elimination of the mass transit account, originally established in 1982, could jeopardize more than 85% of federal public transit and passenger rail funding, as noted by the American Public Transportation Association.

The administration's transportation strategy also prioritizes highway development and safety improvements, including support for autonomous vehicle technology and freight rail safety. A voluntary pilot program for autonomous vehicles, with the aim of establishing standardized regulations, is among the proposals.

Reactions from Lawmakers

Concerns have been raised about the shift in funding focus. Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash., emphasized the importance of maintaining current funding levels for transit and rail, stating, “My No. 1 priority is that we don’t backslide from the funding levels in the bipartisan infrastructure law.”

Further, Secretary Duffy’s request for an additional $1 billion for the modernization of New York Penn Station provoked criticism from Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., who accused the administration of avoiding oversight and stripping local control away from New York authorities.

Legislative Progress and Challenges

On May 17, the House transportation committee passed a bipartisan surface transportation bill. Committee Chairman Sam Graves, R-Mo., described the bill as implementing “smart and targeted reforms” to enhance infrastructure, increase innovation, and improve safety.

Nevertheless, the Senate has yet to propose corresponding legislation, leading experts, such as Andy Winkler of the Bipartisan Policy Center, to express skepticism about the likelihood of passing new legislation before the expiration of the current act on September 30. During a recent webinar, it was highlighted that there is significant doubt about the Senate's ability to move forward with a new proposal in time.

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