• The Federal Transit Administration has announced $20.6 billion in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 funding to support public transportation throughout the country. About $14 billion in formula funding is now immediately available to FTA recipients.

  The apportionment tables contain funding amounts by program type and locality and provide the information needed for grant recipients to begin their FY 2026 funding grant applications through FTA’s electronic grant system, TrAMS.  Find the tables HERE.

• The Trump administration released its “skinny budget” earlier today.  Per Politico, the President’s budget would cut transit grant funding and ditch the BUILD grant program (formerly RAISE).  Further, the administration wants to slash the FTA’s Capital Investment Grants program by $486 million. This, the White House says, would “ensure funds are directed to the most meritorious projects and that communities are encouraged to direct locally-raised funds to support their public transportation needs.”

ON TRACK FOR GROWTH:
INDIANA LAUNCHES TRANSFORMATIVE WEST LAKE CORRIDOR SERVICE

Indiana officials this week marked the completion of the West Lake Corridor Project with a ribbon cutting, paving the way for new South Shore Line service along the Monon Corridor. Delivered under budget, the project is expected to save millions in taxpayer dollars while expanding commuter rail access in northwest Indiana.

The eight-mile extension connects Hammond to the Munster/Dyer border and introduces new one-seat weekday trips to and from Chicago, alongside shuttle service linking to the existing Lakeshore Corridor.

While dodging tornado warnings, community members, rail enthusiasts, and local, state, and federal leaders gathered to celebrate the launch of Monon Corridor service, a capstone in the career of newly retired NICTD President and General Manager Mike Noland. Tuesday’s event underscored the years of dedication behind the project, and speakers highlighted the bipartisan collaboration and perseverance required to bring it to completion. Governor Braun, Representatives Rudy Yakim (R-IN) and Frank Mrvan (D-IN), FTA’s Connor Torossian and other elected and appointed officials joined in the celebration.

“The West Lake Corridor Project on the South Shore Line sets the table for massive future growth opportunities supporting the economic engine in northwest Indiana, creating jobs and helping to revitalize this region of our state.” - Indiana Gov. Mike Braun.

State leaders project that, combined with the Double Track project, the investments in NICTD will generate approximately $2.7 billion in private development, create more than 6,000 jobs, and deliver up to $5 billion in economic impact by 2048. Nearly $800 million in development is already underway.

April marks the anniversary of the Coalition’s founding and the start of CRC’s annual membership renewal cycle. As we enter our seventh year, CRC extends sincere thanks to all members for their continued engagement in support of a robust commuter railroads.

Over the past year, your membership has helped strengthen our collective voice, advance key priorities, and expand opportunities for collaboration across the commuter rail industry.

Looking ahead, with surface transportation reauthorization on the horizon, CRC is building momentum—expanding advocacy efforts, delivering targeted insights, and creating more opportunities for members to connect and lead.

We appreciate your ongoing partnership and encourage you to renew your membership for the coming year. If you have any questions about your benefits or how to maximize your engagement, please email CRC CEO KellyAnne Gallagher HERE. Payments are due May 1.

WHAT WE’RE READING

• CA: First weekend service goes, then stations close: Caltrain maps a path toward possible shutdown (Mass Transit)

• What to know about the MBTA’s free and discounted commuter rail plans for summer (Boston.com)

• As DART struggles, how are other public transportation agencies faring across the U.S.? (Houston Chronicle)

• Where should the MBTA look for ideas? For Phil Eng, it’s Tokyo, Seoul, and Singapore (Boston Globe)