The US government has put forward $100m in federal funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to encourage environmentally friendly transit.
Rail, road and air transport projects will compete for a portion of the funds on the basis of how much their proposed capital investment is expected to reduce energy consumption or greenhouse gases, or both.
US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said that the Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction grant programme would reduce America's reliance on non-reusable resources.
"This grant programme establishes the transit industry as a leader in reducing America's dependence on foreign oil, addressing global climate change and creating green jobs," he said.
Transit agencies may apply under this grant programme. Additionally, other public organisations such as State Departments of Transportation can submit consolidated project proposals on behalf of transit agencies. Grants will be made for particular projects directly to public transportation agencies.
In addition to the anticipated reduction in energy or greenhouse gasses, the projects will be rated on their return on investment, readiness to implement, the capacity of the applicant, the degree of innovation and their national applicability.
By Daniel Garrun.
