Transit agencies seeking to upgrade aging rail stations have until May 1 to apply for a share of $686 million in federal funding aimed at improving accessibility for riders with disabilities and families with young children.
The U.S. Department of Transportation will distribute the funding through its All Stations Accessibility Program, with priority given to projects that bring entire stations into full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and expand access for riders including wheelchair users, people with sensory disabilities, and parents navigating stations with strollers.
Under the ASAP Notice of Funding Opportunity, eligible systems include subway, commuter rail, and light rail lines built before ADA standards took effect in the early 1990s. Local, regional and state entities that operate these systems may use the funds to upgrade stations to meet federal accessibility requirements.
Eligible projects include repairing, modifying, retrofitting or relocating station infrastructure to make public areas accessible, as well as installing or upgrading ramps, elevators, platforms, tactile warning strips, and signage. Planning grants may also support assessments and design work for stations that are not currently accessible.
While accessibility requirements have been in place for more than three decades, many older stations remain structurally difficult to retrofit. Federal officials say the dedicated funding stream is intended to help agencies complete comprehensive upgrades rather than make incremental improvements. The agency also emphasizes a wider investment in making public transit more functional for everyday family life, not just ADA compliance.
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