The Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Emergency Relief (ER) Program enables FTA to provide assistance to public transit operators in the aftermath of an emergency or major disaster. The ER Program helps States and public transportation systems pay for protecting, repairing, and/or replacing equipment and facilities that may suffer, or have suffered, serious damage as a result of disaster such as floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes. The ER Program can fund capital projects to protect, repair, or replace equipment or facilities that are in danger of suffering, or have suffered, serious damage as a result of an emergency. The ER Program can also fund the operating costs of evacuations, rescue operations, temporary public transportation service, or re-establishing, expanding, or relocating service before, during, or after an emergency.

These FAQs do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way. This document is intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies. Grantees and subgrantees should refer to FTA’s statutes and regulations for applicable requirements.

Answers to frequently asked questions are organized and presented under the following topics: