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Communication and Management Problems Hinder the Planning Process for Major Mass Transit Projects

CED-79-82 Published: Jun 05, 1979. Publicly Released: Jun 05, 1979.
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Highlights

The Urban Mass Transportation Administration (UMTA) awards federal grants to state and local authorities to plan and implement various mass transit projects. Nearly two-thirds of the $8.4 billion in capital grants awarded through fiscal year 1978 by this agency were for the construction, extension, or modernization of intracity rail systems. Federal funding authority for such investments is discretionary, so metropolitan areas must vie for available funds. Due to the potential demand for its funds and concern about its ability to finance these projects, UMTA, since 1974, has required analysis of rail and nonrail alternatives when intracity rail projects are proposed so that a cost-effective option can be selected. This policy was formalized in September 1976.

Recommendations

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Transportation The Secretary of Transportation should apply the Department of Transportation's (DOT)/UMTA policy on major urban mass transportation investments to all major projects unless specifically exempted by the policy.
Closed – Not Implemented
The report was issued over 3 years ago, and UMTA has not yet issued written guidance. As of January 1983, UMTA officials could not provide an estimated date of issuance.
Department of Transportation The Secretary of Transportation should make major mass transit investment decisions only after significant deficiences with alternatives analysis studies are corrected.
Closed – Not Implemented
The report was issued over 3 years ago, and UMTA has not yet issued written guidance. As of January 1983, UMTA officials could not provide an estimated date of issuance.
Department of Transportation The Secretary of Transportation should direct the UMTA Administrator, in addition to issuing alternatives analysis guidance, to improve communication with all project sponsors by consistently: (1) monitoring progress of studies; (2) providing prompt feedback to project officials; and (3) requiring that all agreements and requirements are documented.
Closed – Not Implemented
The report was issued over 3 years ago, and UMTA has not yet issued written guidance. As of January 1983, UMTA officials could not provide an estimated date of issuance.

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Topics

Cost effectiveness analysisDiscretionary grantsMass transit fundingPublic administrationTransportation policiesUrban transportationTransportation planningRailMass transitLight rail transit