The Resilient Transit Act of 2025 creates a new federal grant program to help public transportation systems prepare for and withstand climate-related disasters. The bill allows states and local governments to use federal transit funding to make their bus systems, trains, and other public transportation infrastructure more resistant to flooding, extreme heat, wildfires, and other climate impacts.

Specific projects that can be funded include installing flood barriers at transit stations, adding equipment to detect flooding early, replacing infrastructure damaged by extreme weather, upgrading cooling systems for equipment, and creating backup power systems. The bill also funds planning and assessment work so transit agencies can identify which parts of their systems are most vulnerable to climate threats.

The program prioritizes helping communities that have historically been left behind—including low-income neighborhoods, communities of color, and areas with poor access to healthcare. At least 97% of the funding will be distributed based on a formula that considers factors like population and existing transit infrastructure, while 2.85% will go to smaller or underserved areas. The bill adds $300 million in annual funding for this new resilience program and requires the Transportation Department to report annually to Congress on which projects are being funded and how many disadvantaged communities are benefiting.

Resilient Transit Act of 2025

Espaillat, Adriano

Resilient Transit Act of 2025This bill authorizes the Department of Transportation (DOT) to provide grants under the State of Good Repair Grants Program&nbsp;to assist states and local governments in financing public transportation resilience improvement projects that increase the resilience of public transportation systems from the impacts of climate change, such as sea level rise, flooding, wildfires, extreme weather events, and other natural disasters. Under the program, grants may be used for (1) standalone projects, and (2) components of capital projects.DOT must submit an annual report to Congress on the grants provided under this bill and publish the report on DOT's website.&nbsp;