Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Tampa's popular Roverwalk was recently completed with help from TIGER funding. The House appropriations measure would slash funding for the program by 80 percent. Photo: Tampa Riverwalk
Tampa's popular Riverwalk was recently completed with help from TIGER funding. The House appropriations measure would slash funding for the program by 80 percent. Photo: Tampa Riverwalk
false

Debate began yesterday on a House appropriations measure that substantially cuts transit, rail, and the TIGER program, but of course doesn't touch highway spending. American democracy in action!

Stephen Lee Davis at Transportation for America has the ugly details:

The programs targeted by the House for cuts are precisely the ones that cities, towns and metro regions of all sizes throughout the country are depending on to help them stay economically competitive and bring their ambitious transportation plans to fruition.

Specifically, this bill would:

  • Cut $200 million for all new transit construction. This comes at a time when public transportation ridership is booming and cities of all sizes are looking to invest in new bus, rail transit, and bikeshare projects to help them stay economically competitive. This program is what Indianapolis is currently using to kick-start their ambitious bus rapid transit network, and scores of other communities are hoping to do the same.
  • Slash the TIGER competitive grant program by 80 percent from last year’s level down to just $100 million. We’re now six rounds into the popular TIGER program, and it’s clearly inadequate to fulfill the huge demand throughout the country. The program has funded innovative projects in communities of all sizes in all 50 states — and in districts both red and blue.
  • Cut Amtrak’s budget by $250 million just a few weeks after the tragic Amtrak derailment in Philadelphia, and at a time when ridership has never been higher.

To put TIGER funding in perspective, last year's round of grants funded about 50 local projects and cost 18 percent of what was spent widening a single Texas highway where traffic now moves slower than it did before. This is penny wise and pound foolish budgeting.

T4A is asking supporters to email their representatives and ask them to vote against spending cuts.

Elsewhere on the Network today: The Chicago Bike Advocate reports that skateboarding is still, in fact, a crime in large parts of Chicago. A View from the Cycle Path explains how to design road crossings to give bicyclists priority over cars: very carefully. And Biking Toronto celebrates Ontario's new tougher distracted driving laws.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

How Transportation Reformers Can Strategize for the Second Trump Administration

He's not backing down on the mission to make America more green and equitable — but he isn't using those words. And therein lies a strategy.

April 21, 2025

Monday’s Headlines Get Pumped

Contrary to what President Trump says, gas remains expensive — another reason to walk, bike or take transit.

April 21, 2025

EXCLUSIVE: Early Trump Memos Undermine Sean Duffy’s Argument Against Congestion Pricing

The feds did not question New York State's approach to congestion pricing in the first Trump administration, memos show.

April 21, 2025

Music City Meltown: Nashville Needs Transit-Oriented Development

The Tennessee capital needs better transit and zoning changes if it is going to prosper, a new report shows.

April 21, 2025

Friday’s Headlines Back the Bikes

Setting aside the fact that bike lanes don't make traffic worse, resisting bikelash on busy roads is essential to creating a useable network.

April 18, 2025
See all posts