Dallas Area Rapid Transit and other public transit agencies have aggressively expanded cleaning and safety protocols in response to the coronavirus. The American Public Transportation Association is seeking federal relief funding to cover mounting losses in revenue and an estimated $2 billion in upgraded cleaning costs. – DART
APTA leader says public transit agencies need immediate help
WASHINGTON– The public transportation industry is urging Congress to immediately provide $16 billion in direct emergency funding to public transit agencies to offset costs and revenue losses caused by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Public transit agencies are being massively impacted, and immediate measures need to be taken to ensure these agencies can continue to provide essential services to their communities now and in the future,” said Paul P. Skoutelas, American Public Transportation Association President and CEO in a statement. “It cannot be overstated – without these funds, the overwhelming majority of public transit agencies will be required to either drastically curtail services or suspend services altogether. The time to act is now.”
APTA is asking for legislation to fund essential public transportation services across the country, including providing paratransit services for individuals with disabilities; public transportation for health care workers, law enforcement, first responders and other safety personnel; and Medicaid recipients who receive medical transportation for kidney dialysis, cancer treatments, and other critical care.
The industry has experienced dramatic reductions in ridership due to the workplace restrictions, with an estimated $14 billion in losses expected in both fare and sales tax revenue, according to APTA. In addition, $2 billion is needed to cover upgraded cleaning.
Current Issue: July/Aug 2026
$6.95 (U.S. Orders Only)
Mardis Gras
A group of rail advocates led by John Robert Smith and Transportation for America would not take no for an answer while trying to return Amtrak passenger service along the Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina's devastation. Transportation for America guided the Southern Rail Commission through 20 years of muck, mud and political jambalaya to re-energize a route from New Orleans, LA, to Mobile, AL. In just seven months after its August 2025 launch the train posted 100,000 boardings — shattering Amtrak’s original target of 42,000 annual riders. Ridership topped 18,000 the first month, and by the second had eclipsed Amtrak’s estimate.
Midwest Salute
The Missouri-Kansas-Texas and Missouri Pacific railroads traveled on similar paths from Missouri to the Southwest. One model railroad manufacturer has paid tribute to these railroads that eventually were merged into the Union Pacific system with HO-scale GP40 and C36-7 models.
Outdoor Storage
OmniTRAX recently opened an outdoor storage facility in Blue Island, IL, launching a new concept where companies can store anything from road equipment to tons of gravel without the need for a warehouse.
Plus
BNSF and Norfolk Southern introduce a wealth of patriotic diesel schemes leading up to America's 250th anniversary, the Railway Express Agency ensured that packages, parcels - even a hog - arrived quickly and on time, and the key to success for a Wisconsin model railroad club is opening its doors to the community, something it has done for the past 80 years. And more!
