• Per Politico: USDOT is moving to defund a grant program for regional organizations that help small and minority-owned transportation businesses better compete for federal contracts, according to two people with direct knowledge of the matter.

• USDOT has de-obligated $2.4 billion of federal funding from the California High Speed Rail program and rolled those funds into a $5 billion NOFO through the National Railroad Partnership Program. In addition to highway grade crossings and a repeal of DEI requirements, the NOFO emphasizes projects that provide a more seamless travel experience for families, per Politico. Adding mothers’ rooms, expanding waiting areas and family restrooms and children’s play areas are among the objectives. Applications are due January 7, 2026. More information is available at this link.

• DOT withdrew over $65 million in other unobligated grants this week for projects that it determined were ‘hostile to motor vehicles.” A majority of the impacted communities were in Democratic districts.

A shutdown of the federal government appears more likely when the new fiscal year commences next week on October 1st. And the consequences resulting from the shutdown may also be more significant than previous shutdowns.

The Office of Management and Budget has directed in a memo to agencies that in the event of a shutdown, they should consider a permanent reduction in force for federal programs that will no longer be funded. Specifically the memo directs agencies to focus cessation of programs and permanent reduction in force for programs “not consistent with the President’s priorities.”

Ongoing discussions in Congress have not yielded any signs of progress toward a resolution. Earlier this week, President Trump cancelled a planned meeting with Democrat leaders Senator Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakim Jefferies. He claimed the two leaders did not have serious proposals.

Last Thursday, both houses of Congress voted on differing versions of a Continuing Resolution (CR) that would extend funding beyond the commencement of the new fiscal year. Both houses departed for their week-long recess this week. Since then, the chances of a government-wide shutdown have increased significantly, after having appeared to ease somewhat the previous week.

Last week the House passed HR 5371, a clean CR that provided funding through Friday, November 21. The vote was almost purely partisan 217 to 212. One Democrat, Jared Golden (D-ME), voted “yes;" two Republicans, Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Vickie Spartz (R-IN), voted “no.” There were three members absent.

In the Senate, Republican and Democratic leadership struck a deal to allow votes on two differing versions that would extend funding. The first vote was on the Democratic version (S. 2882) -- that vote failed to get the necessary 60 votes to proceed (47 - 45). The Senate then voted on the House-passed CR, (HR 5371), which also failed to garner 60 votes (44 - 48) and also included opposition from some Republicans. Thune has stated there will be a new vote on the House-passed CR on Monday, September 29th. There are currently no signs of any members changing their previous votes.

The two versions taken up in the Senate had significant differences. The Republican version is a clean extension of current funding levels, while the Democratic version would: run to October 31st (versus November 21st), add money for security for Members (the Republican version does not), limit the impoundment authority of the President, and extend the Biden-era emergency health care premium assistance that was added during Covid. These are all hot button issues that were not included in the Republican version and have met with strong opposition from Republican leadership in Congress and the President.

The House had been planning to return Monday, September 29th, however the House Majority Leader’s office last Friday sent a message advising Members that the House is no longer expected to be in session on September 29th and 30th. Further it stated that if the Senate Democrats “insist on a Schumer Shutdown of the federal government,” Members should be prepared to return to Washington.

It is not unusual for the party in power to seek clean CRs and the minority party to try and use the CR to achieve policy goals they can not achieve in other legislation. This time the tenor of statements appears more rigid than in past such battles. Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) was strongly criticized for his previous capitulation on the final CR for fiscal year 2025. His statements appear much more firm without much room for backing down.

USDOT has not yet issued its shutdown plan. Stay tuned for more details on the possible shutdown and the effect it may have on DOT operations.

Metrolink has earned premier recognition from the Railway Technology Excellence Awards in three categories: innovation, marketing and safety. The annual awards program is powered by GlobalData’s business intelligence operation and celebrates industry leaders who are driving meaningful progress and setting new standards in rail transportation.

Together, these accolades reflect the momentum behind Metrolink Reimagined, the agency’s ongoing evolution from a traditional commuter railroad to a modern regional rail network centered on equity, reliability and access. Whether preparing for seismic events, easing street congestion near stations, or removing cost barriers for students, Metrolink is investing in scalable solutions that deliver real-world benefits. This recognition underscores the creativity, care and collaboration of the team driving Metrolink’s progress and working each day to strengthen the role of public transportation across Southern California.

CRC MEMBER ORIENTATION OCTOBER 3

CRC’s next Member Orientation is scheduled for Friday, October 3 at 3:30 p.m. EST. Organized as a briefing for CRC’s newest members, the orientation is an opportunity for any member to join us for a 60-minute refresher with CRC Vice Chair Dave Dech (SFRTA) and CEO KellyAnne Gallager. All are welcome to participate. Reach out to RSVP and receive the Zoom link.

COMMUTER RAIL CELEBRATIONS

Fast forward 25 years, and Sounder now serves 12 stations across the N Line and S Line, connecting thousands of riders each weekday.

The new transit agency’s jurisdiction would include Oceanside, Carlsbad, San Marcos, Vista, Escondido, Fallbrook, Pauma, Valley Center, San Dieguito, and Ramona. The Board would serve as the operator of bus service within the North County area, absorbing the municipal bus systems of Escondido and Oceanside.

Since then, the North County Transit Development Board evolved into the North County Transit District, adopting the acronym NCTD, and is now operating as North County Transit – San Diego Railroad. NCTD expanded its service and established the COASTER commuter rail in 1995, SPRINTER hybrid rail in 2008, FLEX deviated fixed route service, LIFT paratransit service, and NCTD+ on-demand. Together, these services intertwine to provide a robust transit network for North County communities and into downtown San Diego.

Over the course of 50 years, NCTD has achieved major noteworthy milestones. The agency remains focused on the future, continuing to modernize its services, enhance the rider experience, and expand access across North County San Diego.

“Electrification has completely transformed Caltrain. We’re delivering cleaner, faster, and more frequent service, and riders are responding in record numbers. This first year has shown what’s possible when we invest in sustainable rail, and we’re only just getting started.” - Michelle Bouchard, Caltrain Executive Director

2025 SUMMIT UPDATES

HOTEL BLOCK CLOSES IN TWO WEEKS
A modern concept hotel, the Yotel offers guests self check-in kiosks, efficiently designed rooms, convertible beds, and coffee and water stations in their hallways. Their public spaces are comfortable and welcoming, and the highly rated Art and Soul restaurant remains from the hotel’s days as the Liaison.

THE MARC TOUR IS AT CAPACITY
Reach out to CDodd@mdot.maryland.gov if you would like to be added to the waitlist.

CAPITOL HILL MEETINGS
We know many Summit attendees will take advantage of being in Washington, DC, and schedule meetings with elected representatives on Capitol Hill. To support those meetings, CRC is offering a session with industry lobbyists on Wednesday, November 5: Best Practices for Effective Hill Meetings. Plan to join us to ensure messages align, and to amplify the priorities of the industry. Lunch will be provided Wednesday for Summit attendees heading to Capitol Hill.

GOLF OUTING
There is still time to register for the CRC Golf Outing Sunday, November 2. Contact Kristin Freeman to add it to your existing Summit registration: $285 includes greens fees, lunch, post-golf prizes, and support of student attendees at the Summit.

Golfers will depart the Yotel at 10 a.m. Sunday, with Jezney Sourcing providing buses to Blue Marsh Golf Course in Laytonsville, MD. To reserve clubs, call the course directly at 301-670-1966.

SUMMIT REGISTRATION CLOSES IN ONE MONTH, but certain events may hit capacity before the registration deadline. Don’t delay - register now.

WHAT WE’RE READING

• Deregulation streamlining NEP grant reform among FRA’s priorities deputy administrator says (Progressive Railroading)

• Breaking: US DOT Pulls Grants For Projects That Aren’t Focused on Cars (Streets Blog USA)

• Should We Let Public Transit Die? (Bloomberg UK)