Transit funding received a significant investment of $39 billion in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), but more is needed to meet the current $176 billion backlog in transit needs. The Build Back Better Act includes $10 billion in additional funding for passenger rail and $9.75 billion in funding towards further transit-related efforts to connect communities to jobs, schools, and other destinations.

The $19.75 billion investment in the Build Back Better Act for America’s transit systems would result in 103,687 direct, 66,755 indirect, and 93,812 induced jobs, a total of 264,256 jobs. 

Updating our transportation networks is key to our fight against climate change. As of 2019, transportation in the United States accounts for more emissions than any other economic sector. Transit provides important pollution reduction benefits—reducing carbon emissions and local pollution while also providing critical transportation services for working people.

When we invest in our transportation networks, we are also creating jobs in U.S. manufacturing. Rolling stock and automobiles—along with their components and subcomponents—are built at facilities across the country, supporting transit systems and passenger rail networks. Economically, we know that transit investment creates jobs and supports economic growth.