FTA Releases Report on Expanding Access to Construction Jobs in Transit Agencies

The U.S. Department of Transportation released a new report, Investing in America: Best Practices to Expand Access to Jobs and Economic Opportunity Through Transportation Infrastructure Investments, on ways for states and local jurisdictions to expand access to construction jobs following the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The report includes recommendations for transportation agencies to expand access to jobs and opportunity for underrepresented groups such as women, youth, people with disabilities, and people of color. 

The report also highlights ways state and local transportation agencies, including transit agencies, can enhance workforce training programs to help people secure good jobs, such as: 

• Tracking data on local demographics
• Setting targets for hiring underrepresented populations
• Establishing apprenticeships programs
• Incentivizing union hiring 

USDOT recently issued an update to the Department’s Equity Action Plan that focuses on groups underrepresented in the transportation workforce and in transportation planning. The plan outlines progress the Department has made in promoting wealth creation; capacity building; expanding access; and spreading equity. USDOT will update the equity plan annually to reflect new actions to ensure all communities receive the benefits that transportation brings.