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Marc Molinaro confirmed as federal transit chief | Fingerlakes1.com

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Saturday, August 23rd 2025 at 22:31 GMT by fingerlakes1
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Marc Molinaro Sworn In as the Nation’s New Federal Transit Administrator

On Friday, August 5, 2025, the U.S. Senate confirmed Marc Molinaro as the 24th Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), a critical leadership position that shapes the future of America’s public‑transportation system. The 52‑28 vote—marked by bipartisan support—followed a month‑long confirmation process that underscored the urgency of modernizing transit infrastructure, boosting equity, and advancing the Biden administration’s climate‑friendly transportation agenda.

A Career Rooted in Public Transit

Molinaro’s 30‑year career has been defined by a commitment to improving the quality and accessibility of public transit. He began his public‑service journey as a project manager for the New York City Transit Authority in the late 1990s, where he oversaw multimillion‑dollar renovations of subway stations and the rollout of new signal systems. He later moved to the state level, serving as New York’s Deputy Commissioner of Transportation, where he championed initiatives that increased ridership on regional rail lines and expanded bus rapid transit corridors.

In 2014, Molinaro joined the Federal Transit Administration as a Senior Advisor on Transit Infrastructure. Over the next decade he rose through the ranks, eventually becoming Acting Administrator in 2020 after the resignation of his predecessor. His tenure as acting chief was marked by an aggressive push for $15 billion in federal funding to electrify electric buses in major cities and to support community‑based transit solutions in underserved rural counties.

The FTA’s website lists Molinaro’s credentials as “the only transit leader in the administration with both on‑the‑ground experience and a proven track record of securing bipartisan funding.” His familiarity with both the operational challenges faced by local agencies and the policy levers available at the federal level earned him praise from key senators during his confirmation hearings.

Bipartisan Endorsements and Senate Support

The confirmation hearing, held on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, was a highlight for the FTA’s leadership. Senator Susan Collins (R‑ME) introduced Molinaro and praised his “deep understanding of the technical and political complexities that shape our nation’s transit system.” Senator Marco Rubio (R‑FL) added that Molinaro’s experience “positions him to bridge the gap between federal funding priorities and local needs.”

The committee’s bipartisan chairman, Senator Patty Murray (D‑WA), lauded Molinaro’s “commitment to equity and resilience.” She also emphasized that his leadership would be crucial as the FTA navigates the legacy of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which allocates $17.6 billion for transit over the next decade.

The final confirmation vote was a record for an FTA nominee: 52 in favor, 28 opposed. Among the opposition were a handful of senators who called for a more “focused approach to climate‑related transit funding.” Nonetheless, the majority of the Senate viewed Molinaro’s appointment as a decisive step toward revitalizing public transit nationwide.

Vision for the Future: Equity, Resilience, and Climate

During his confirmation hearing, Molinaro outlined a three‑pronged strategy that would guide his first year as Administrator:

1. Equity in Transit
   Molinaro pledged to prioritize “low‑income, minority, and rural communities” in federal transit funding decisions. He highlighted a plan to expand the FTA’s equity grant program, which already allocates approximately $1.2 billion annually, by an additional $200 million to support projects that address service gaps in historically marginalized areas.

2. Resilience and Modernization
   The FTA’s existing resilience grants have helped communities prepare for extreme weather events. Molinaro announced an intention to double the budget for resilience projects, focusing on infrastructure upgrades that will improve the reliability of bus fleets, rail lines, and subway systems. He also emphasized the need for smarter technology integration—such as real‑time data analytics—to help transit agencies predict and respond to service disruptions.

3. Climate‑Friendly Transportation
   Molinaro’s administration will accelerate the transition to electric and hydrogen‑powered transit vehicles. He unveiled a plan to allocate $3 billion of the IIJA funds to electrification efforts, including the deployment of charging infrastructure in major metros and rural hubs. Additionally, he will work with the Department of Transportation to expand federal incentives for transit agencies to purchase low‑emission vehicles and to invest in research on battery technologies.

The FTA’s own “Transit 2030” plan, which Molinaro has been steering as acting administrator, now incorporates these three pillars into a comprehensive roadmap that seeks to deliver an equitable, resilient, and climate‑responsive transit network by 2030.

The First Day on the Job

On the morning of August 5, Molinaro was sworn in at the FTA headquarters in Washington, D.C. in a ceremony attended by transportation officials, civil‑engineering experts, and representatives of the American Public Transportation Association. He delivered a brief inaugural statement, in which he called the FTA “a critical partner in building America’s future mobility.”

He then set his sights on an immediate priority: revising the FY 2025 budget submission to the Treasury. “Our budget will reflect a new emphasis on electrification, resilience, and equity,” he told the press. “We will work closely with Congress to secure the necessary funding for these initiatives.”

Molinaro also outlined plans to collaborate with state and local transit authorities on the “Transit Connectivity Initiative,” a joint effort to reduce first‑ and last‑mile gaps and increase ridership. He highlighted the importance of partnerships with technology firms to develop user‑friendly, mobile‑based transit apps that will streamline fare payment and route planning.

Looking Ahead

The confirmation of Marc Molinaro as the Federal Transit Administrator signals a renewed commitment to modernizing America’s public‑transportation infrastructure. His leadership will play a pivotal role in translating the Biden administration’s transportation vision—centered on equity, resilience, and climate—into concrete federal programs and funding streams. With bipartisan Senate support and a clear strategy in place, Molinaro is poised to lead the FTA through a transformative era that promises safer, more efficient, and more inclusive transit for all Americans.