Transit to Trails Act

The Transit to Trails Act establishes a federal grant program to fund transportation connectors (like buses, microtransit, or light rail) that link critically underserved communities to public parks, trails, and recreational areas. It directly benefits communities lacking adequate park access - defined as areas with high populations of people of color, low-income residents, Tribal communities, or those over half a mile from parks - by requiring projects to include culturally appropriate materials and prioritize low-emission vehicles, free/discounted rides for low-income riders, and local hiring. Grants, ranging from $25,000 to $500,000, cover up to 80% of project costs and mandate public reporting on community demographics and project outcomes. The program authorizes $10 million annually for the first two years, scaling to $40 million by year five, to improve mobility to public lands in underserved urban and rural areas.