The United States Department of Transportation (US DOT) has announced the availability of approximately 686 million USD in competitive grant funding to support upgrades to rail transit stations across the country.

The funding will be distributed through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). It is intended to modernise some of the nation’s oldest and busiest rail stations and improve access for families and passengers with disabilities.

The grants will be made available through the Fiscal Year 2025 and 2026 budgets. Transit agencies may apply for support for capital projects that repair, improve, modify, retrofit or relocate station infrastructure. The aim is to ensure that public areas are more accessible to passengers with pushchairs, wheelchair users and others with mobility needs.

Under President Trump’s America First agenda, USDOT is ensuring infrastructure projects prioritise safety, efficiency, and the well-being of American families. Ensuring young families with strollers and our elderly using wheelchairs are able to navigate our transit systems in an investment taxpayers will see make a real difference in their communities.

Projects will be assessed under several criteria outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Applicants must demonstrate how proposed works would improve access to transport for families with young children, including those using pushchairs, and enhance connections to employment centres, healthcare facilities, recreational venues and commercial districts.

Another consideration relates to wayfinding improvements. Projects are expected to incorporate universal design features to assist passengers with disabilities, including individuals with intellectual or developmental conditions, sensory impairments and mobility limitations. Proposed measures may include clear signage using plain language and large print, floor markings and directional pathways, synchronised audio and visual announcements, and real-time information displays positioned throughout waiting areas.

For capital projects, the FTA will also examine how applicants intend to reduce costs and improve delivery timelines. This includes strategies to increase efficiency during construction, such as extended work windows to allow more concentrated activity and limit disruption while shortening overall project schedules.

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