Final Rule Requires Transit Agencies to Maintain Capital Assets
Grantees will have to develop plants for assets, including vehicles, facilities, equipment, and infrastructure. In 2013, FTA says, the transit industry deferred maintenance needs to a tune of $86 billion, representing more than 12 percent of total assets nationwide.
The Federal Transit Adminstration announced a final rule requiring grantees to develop management plants for public transportation assets, which include vehicles, facilities, equipment, and other infrastructure. According to the DOT agency's announcement, transit asset management (TAM) will provider safer, more reliable service nationwide while also lowering the cost.
"The Obama Administration has made transportation infrastructure a priority across the United States," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. "FTA's new transit asset management rule will ensure that large and small transit operators take a common sense, strategic approach to maintaining their assets. This rule is a big step toward ensuring safe and efficient transit service for the tens of millions of Americans who rely on public transportation each day."
The rule will lay out a strategic approach to improve assets, utilizing techniques such as reviewing inventories and setting performance targets and budgets to achieve goals. In 2013, FTA says, the transit industry deferred maintenance needs to a tune of $86 billion, representing more than 12 percent of total assets nationwide.The Washington, D.C., transit authority's ongoing program to catch up on much-needed infrastructure maintenance is an object lesson in deferring necessary upkeep.
"We've worked inclusively with our grantees to develop the TAM rule, setting clear requirements for transit agencies to identify and prioritize state of good repair needs," said FTA Acting Administrator Carolyn Flowers. "The good news for both transit operators and the traveling public is that the rule will improve safety and reliability and result in fewer travel delays for passengers."