Many federal programs provide funding for public transportation infrastructure and surrounding improvements.

Competitive Programs

The following programs are awarded through a competitive process. Please reference the program pages for information on how to apply.

• Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) - The Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity, or RAISE Discretionary Grant program, provides a unique opportunity for the DOT to invest in road, rail, transit and port projects that promise to achieve national objectives.
• Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) - CRISI funds projects that improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of intercity passenger and freight rail (including short-line and regional rail).
• Railroad Crossing Elimination program - The Railroad Crossing Elimination program funds highway-rail or pathway-rail grade crossing improvement projects that improve the safety and mobility of people and goods.

Federal Loan Programs

The following loan programs are available to transit agencies and other entities and administered by the USDOT Build America Bureau.

• Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program - The TIFIA program provides credit assistance for qualified projects of regional and national significance. Many large-scale, surface transportation projects - highway, transit, railroad, intermodal freight, and port access - are eligible for assistance.
• Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) - The RRIF program provides loans and direct guarantees to finance development of railroad infrastructure. This can include intermodal facilities and transit-oriented development.

Flexible Funding for Transit and Highway Improvements

Many federal-aid highway programs have specific eligible transit activities identified in legislation. In addition, funds from other programs that do not have specific transit eligibility may be transferred by states to other Federal-aid Highway programs that do have such eligibility.

• Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program - The CMAQ program provides a flexible funding source to State and local governments for transportation projects and programs to help meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act.
• Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) - The STBG program provides flexible funding to best address State and local transportation needs.
• Tribal Transportation Program - The TTP supports safe and reliable transportation and public road access to and within Indian reservations, Indian lands, and Alaska Native Village communities.
• National Highway Performance Program - NHPP provides support for the condition and performance of the National Highway System, supports the construction of new facilities, ensures that investments of Federal-aid funds in highway construction are directed to support progress toward the achievement of performance targets in a State's asset management plan, and supports activities to increase the resiliency of the nation’s highways.