Bus Projects Get Green Light, Challengers Get Short Leash
Published Date: 12/19/2025
Notice
Summary
The Federal Transit Administration has given the green light to two big public transit projects: a new bus rapid transit line in Columbus, Ohio, and an advanced rapid transit corridor in San Antonio, Texas. If anyone wants to challenge these decisions, they must file a claim by May 18, 2026, or lose their chance. These projects are moving forward with environmental approvals, paving the way for better transit and smoother commutes!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Columbus West Broad BRT Approved
The Federal Transit Administration finalized environmental approvals for the West Broad Street Bus Rapid Transit project in Columbus, Ohio. The corridor is about 9.3 miles long (5.2 miles dedicated guideway, 4.1 miles mixed-flow), includes 17 near-level ADA-accessible stations with off-board fare collection, bicycle lanes, shared-use paths, sidewalk and stormwater improvements, a new Rockbrook Crossing Park-and-Ride layover facility, and upgrades to the COTA McKinley Avenue Garage. Key final determinations include a Section 106 No Adverse Effect dated July 25, 2025, a Section 4(f) de minimis impact dated October 3, 2025, and a documented categorical exclusion dated October 3, 2025.
San Antonio VIA ART East/West Approved
The Federal Transit Administration finalized environmental approvals for the VIA Advanced Rapid Transit (East/West Corridor) in San Antonio, Texas. The project is approximately 7.3 miles long, includes 18 new or modified stations with off-board fare collection, level boarding platforms, real-time arrival information, security cameras, lighting, and transit signal priority. Key final determinations include a Section 106 No Adverse Effect dated October 8, 2025, a Section 4(f) de minimis impact dated November 25, 2025, and a documented categorical exclusion dated November 25, 2025.
Deadline to Challenge FTA Decisions
If you want to challenge the Federal Transit Administration's final environmental actions on these projects, any claim for judicial review must be filed on or before May 18, 2026, or the claim will be barred.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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