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As reported last week in Passenger Transport EXPRESS, to bring all the nation’s rail and bus transit systems into a state of good repair, U.S. public transportation agencies would need to invest $77.7 billion, according to a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) study released July 21. In addition, ongoing system maintenance would cost an average of $14.4 billion annually.

FTA’s National State of Good Repair Assessment Study, requested by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood as a follow-up to the 2009 Rail Modernization Study report to Congress, provides a comprehensive analysis of the costs required to bring the nation’s rail and bus transit systems into good operating order. The 2010 study released is based on data provided by 36 rail and bus operators in both rural and urban areas.

While most of the backlog can be attributed to rail, the report shows that more than 40 percent of the nation’s buses are also in poor to marginal condition.

“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,” LaHood said. “As a nation, we must lead when it comes to infrastructure development and commit ourselves to rebuilding America.”

FTA Administrator Peter M. Rogoff added: “Investment in the nation’s transit infrastructure is important to a healthy economy and most importantly, the safety and well-being of our riders. For millions of Americans, having a safe and reliable transit system is the difference between seeing their children before bed or not, making it to work on time or arriving late, or getting to a doctor’s appointment or forgoing it.”

State of good repair for the country’s transportation network is one of the five system-wide goals included in LaHood’s proposed Strategic Plan for the Department of Transportation. The assessment is available online.

Rogoff earlier announced a $775 million competitive state of good repair funding program that will invest in the nation’s bus and bus facilities. FTA has received approximately 400 project applications with a total value of more than $4.2 billion, and is preparing to announce funding recipients.

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