These investments are a huge deal for the American people. Take it from a guy who likes trains almost as much as I do: pic.twitter.com/37L2gnShpT

— President Biden (@POTUS) November 6, 2021

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal has passed! We're so excited to get to work building you the transportation infrastructure you deserve 🏗 pic.twitter.com/I8CANSmx7Z

— TransportationGov (@USDOT) November 6, 2021

Metro lauds the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act by Congress late Friday night. The bill includes traditional transportation funding, along with $548 billion in new funding to address a broad spectrum of infrastructure needs, including major investments in roads, bridges, rail, transit, airports ports and waterways, and will help the nation rebuild infrastructure in a number of other key areas that will benefit Los Angeles County.

For Metro and its riders, the bill significantly increases funding provided through key discretionary and formula grant programs such as Capital Investment Grants, Bus and Bus Facility Grants, Low- or No-Emission Bus Grants, State of Good Repair Grants, and Urbanized Area Formula Grants. Specifically, it includes $110 billion in new funding for roads, bridges and major projects; $66 billion for passenger and freight rail; $39 billion for public transit and $11 billion for road safety and increases to current baseline spending across all modes of transportation.

“The passage of this bill is critical to Los Angeles County’s recovery, and I applaud and thank the Biden-Harris administration for prioritizing infrastructure investments in our communities,” said Metro Board Chair and Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Hilda L. Solis. “This bill will provide over one trillion dollars in sorely needed funding to accelerate completion of our major transit projects, repair our roads and strengthen our goods movement network. With this injection of funding, our communities will emerge from the pandemic stronger and more resilient than ever.”

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the Biden-Harris administration’s bold and visionary efforts to rebuild America’s infrastructure, which includes significant investments in public transit,” said Metro CEO Stephanie N. Wiggins. “These investments will be critical in enhancing Metro’s efforts to reduce the impacts of climate change and connect disadvantaged communities to jobs, business opportunities, healthy food outlets, medical services and other necessities. Metro is deeply grateful to the Los Angeles County Congressional Delegation—including our two U.S. Senators—for advancing this critical legislation every step of the way.”

Metro is now eagerly awaiting a vote on the reconciliation bill, known as the “Build Back Better Act,” which includes approximately $10 billion in grants to increase access to affordable housing, including through the provision of fare-free and reduced-fare transit, new transit routes, expanded service areas and improved frequency on existing transit routes. The bill also includes $10 billion in dedicated funding for planning and development of high-speed rail projects. The House is expected to hold a final vote on the Build Back Better legislation later in the month.

Note to readers and editors: Metro Operators are crucial to keeping LA moving. Metro is currently hiring more than 500 bus operators and is offering a $1,000 bonus for coming aboard. This is a great career opportunity. Metro offers competitive hourly rates starting at $17.75 for part-time bus operators and benefits include health insurance, tuition reimbursements, paid training, retirement plan options and part-time flexible hours. Please encourage friends, family and community members to become a part of the Metro team that provides excellence in service and support and keeps our region moving. Apply at metro.net/driveLA.