Study: Good U.S. transit will cost $77B

It would cost $77.7 billion to bring the nation’s mass transit systems, bus and rail included, into a state of good repair, according to a Federal Transit Administration study released Wednesday.

While most of the $77.7 billion backlog can be attributed to rail, more than 40 percent of the nation’s buses also are in poor to marginal condition. In addition, an annual average of $14.4 billion would be required to maintain the systems, according to the study.

“Transit remains one of the safest forms of transportation, but this report shows the clear need to reinvest in our bus, subway and light-rail systems,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said, in a news release. “As a nation we must lead when it comes to infrastructure development and commit ourselves to rebuilding America.”

FTA’s National State of Good Repair Assessment Study was requested by LaHood as a follow-up to the 2009 Rail Modernization Study report to Congress. The transit study provides a comprehensive analysis of the costs required to bring the nation’s rail and bus transit systems into good operating order. The study is based on data provided by 36 additional rail and bus operators in rural and urban areas.

Read more in the Sacramento Business Journal.