The FAST Act: Increasing Transportation Choices and Opportunities

The FAST Act includes provisions are intended to improve transportation options, redevelop communities, and expand employment opportunities --particularly for low-income individuals, minorities, and persons with disabilities. 

Specifically, the Act:

• Makes transit-oriented development projects eligible for financing under the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) and the Railroad Rehabilitation & Improvement Financing (RRIF) programs.
• Provides $2.2 billion for Buses and Bus Facilities formula grants and $1.5 billion in discretionary grants for bus and bus facilities. 
• Expands access to public transportation workforce opportunities through training, educational programs, technical assistance grants. The employment training program includes specific outreach to increase employment for veterans, females, individuals with disabilities, and minorities. 
• Establishes a Pilot Program to support projects that improve transportation coordination for the transportation disadvantaged, including seniors and individuals with disabilities.  
• Expands design flexibility and local control by opening an option for certain local governments to use a design guide for their street network that differs from their State’s adopted design guide. 
• Supports efforts to increase connectivity by improving bicycle and pedestrian networks.