Navigating Transit’s Fiscal Cliff

Transit agencies across the country — particularly those reliant on farebox revenue — face an oncoming crisis as COVID relief operating funds will run out over the next few years. Ridership is still on a slow path to recovery, while inflation and workforce challenges are putting significant strain on the cost side. Mitigating risk starts by understanding the problem, evaluating funding options and engaging and convincing stakeholders. Let’s walk through the steps, with case studies from agencies already doing this work. Because smart planning can help ensure a fiscal cliff doesn’t turn into a budget catastrophe.

Moderator: Maggie Schilling, Director, Policy Review and Development, Federal Transit Administration, US Department of Transportation, Washington, DC
David Baumgartner, Senior Associate, Cambridge Systematics, Inc., Medford, MA
Peter Kersten, Program Manager, Strategic Plan Implementation, Regional Transportation Authority -Chicago, Chicago, IL