FTA’s mission is to improve America’s communities through public transportation. We envision a better quality of life for all built on public transportation excellence.

Values

As FTA executes its policies, programs and initiatives to support the nation’s transit systems, we rely on our agency’s culture of service, integrity, innovation, and resiliency. 

• Service: We provide reliable, transparent, and responsive service to our grant recipients and the public. Federally supported transit agencies provide communities with access to jobs, schools, healthcare, and other essential services. FTA anticipates ways to meet stakeholder needs and strives to provide excellent service to all.
• Trust: We bring integrity to funding and oversight programs, guidance, technical assistance, and training activities. We prioritize transparency to the greatest extent possible.
• Innovation: We support development of new technology and processes to support safer, more accessible transit systems. We foster innovative approaches and partner with transit agencies and advocates to promote research, innovation, and demonstration of new technologies.
• Resiliency: When making decisions, FTA focuses on resilience to ensure long-term benefits. We practice good stewardship that supports our workforce and our industry.

Goals

Enhance Safety

While transit is the safest mode of surface transportation, FTA is committed to improving safety even further. FTA provides safety oversight and technical assistance that strengthen our recipients’ safety culture and practices. This improves safety for riders and patrons who use transit, workers who maintain and operate transit, and pedestrians and others who interact with transit.

Build Resiliency

FTA works to increase the resiliency of transit systems today and into the future. Public transportation is an essential component of American communities of all sizes, from tribal and rural communities to our largest cities. FTA works to reduce the state of good repair backlog, increase the resiliency of infrastructure, and sustain maintenance and operations.

Connecting Communities

FTA works to expand quality transit services that connect people and build communities in both urban and rural communities. Transit that is fast, frequent, and reliable connects people with one another and with new opportunities, resulting in thriving communities.