MAPS transit projects advance as Northeast–South BRT enters FTA CIG process; long-range plan outlines regional vision

Luke Schmidt of Embark told the MAPS for Citizens Advisory Board on Nov. 6, 2025, that the Northeast & South bus rapid transit (BRT) project has been officially adopted into the Federal Transit Administration's Capital Investment Grants (CIG) process and is currently scoring at a "medium" rating under the Small Starts evaluation criteria. "This project has officially been adopted into the CIG process," Schmidt said, adding that adoption begins a multiyear, multistep application and reimbursement process that does not guarantee funding.

Schmidt explained that CIG is a competitive FTA program with three funding tracks (New Starts, Small Starts and Core Capacity). Small Starts applies to projects with total project costs under $400 million. He said the program reimburses eligible expenses and that projects that perform well typically demonstrate a strong local financial commitment; the BRT project is being advanced with a roughly 60% local match and an anticipated 40% federal share as the project is defined. "Because of the high local match, that also increases the competitiveness of the application," he said.

Board members asked about the likelihood of federal selection and the number of other competitive entrants. Schmidt said FTA feedback had been "positive" and noted the region's prior success delivering transit projects, but he reiterated that ultimate selection and appropriation rest with FTA and Congressional action.

The board also heard an overview of the MAPS long-range transit plan (LRTP), led by Schmidt with ACOG and Embark participation. The LRTP projects substantial regional growth by 2045 (ACOG projections cited in the presentation) and sets a 20-to-30-year vision divided into short-, mid- and long-term horizons. Short-term priorities highlighted include the Northeast & South BRT and potential streetcar extensions; midterm items include commuter rail and additional BRT corridors; long-term ideas include streetcar extensions, further BRT expansion and on-demand service zones.

Schmidt presented economic and ridership expectations from the plan and cited studies estimating that the proposed transit services could generate roughly 1,300 new jobs and more than $100,000,000 in wages attributable to transit service, framing those figures as part of the plan's regional benefit analysis. The LRTP is being posted for public review at the project website and will be finalized after the comment period and ACOG review.

What happens next: Schmidt said the BRT project will continue environmental and design work while the team refines the project workbook for FTA review; the agency will submit scoring updates through design and then the FTA and USDOT will advance the most competitive projects toward congressional appropriation.