Editor's Notebook: America’s public transit infrastructure improving thanks to federal investments

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) gave the U.S.’s public transit infrastructure a ‘D’ grade in its 2025 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure—a slight improvement from the previous ‘D-’ rating in the 2021 assessment. While transit tied with stormwater for the lowest-scoring category, transit’s progress reflects the positive impact increased federal funding can have on the industry’s infrastructure.   

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) delivered $108 billion to help agencies address deferred maintenance while breaking ground on new capital projects. IIJA funds also played a critical role in helping agencies stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic as ridership plummeted throughout the country. However, ASCE flagged that nearly 92 percent of pandemic federal aid had been spent as of December 2024. If there is no new financing for operations, then increased fares, reduced service, deferred maintenance and canceled capital projects may become the new norm.  

For instance, while ASCE reported the percentage of revenue vehicles and infrastructure assets in a state of good repair were relatively level—with facilities showing a slight improvement—substantial funding gaps remain to bring all assets into a state of good repair. ASCE calculates the industry will need $20.3 billion annually if it’s to achieve a state of good repair by 2038. When accounting for transit’s total infrastructure needs, the number jumps to $618 billion. 

While funding delivered through IIJA has made a noticeable difference, gaps remain due to years of deferred maintenance that will require continued investment to ensure transit systems remain safe, reliable and equipped to meet evolving needs. ASCE estimates that between 2024 and 2033, the transit sector will face a $152 billion shortfall. Driving this shortfall are rising costs and increased sustainability and resiliency demands while grappling with limited funding for operational support.  

Some of these shortfalls can be addressed through the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization. In addition to ensuring robust and predictable long-term funding is in the next reauthorization, there may also be policy modifications to consider.  

For example, one of ASCE’s recommendations to boost transit’s score is to support funding flexibility, so agencies can use funds for operations, maintenance, state of-good repair and planning across all asset classes. Other policy modifications have called for using formula-based funding instead of discretionary funding for certain programs, refining the permitting process to speed up capital project delivery, as well as streamlining environmental review processes.  

However, without broad advocacy, full funding levels and policy modifications that will help public transit may not happen. It’s imperative that Congress understands not only the necessity but also the benefits of investing in public transit. One of the best ways to accomplish this? The power of storytelling. Numbers are compelling, but as one of our best practices columnists writes, they don’t paint a holistic picture of how an agency contributes to its community. Don’t underestimate how stories can resonate with your stakeholders. Use them to “fill in the gaps” and demonstrate the transformative role transit can play when it receives the investment it deserves.