Town Of Huntington Transit System Gets $2.4M In Federal Funding

HUNTINGTON, NY — The Town of Huntington has $2,479,097 in federal funding earmarked to it, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Tom Suozzi announced Monday. The funds, allocated in the CARES Act through the Federal Transit Administration, will be used for the Town of Huntington HART Bus system’s operating expenses during the coronavirus pandemic.

The COVID-19 crisis has had a major impact on public transportation systems throughout the state, which has resulted in a dramatic drop in ridership, officials said. This funding will ensure that those who rely on the Town’s buses can continue to safely ride public transit as local communities begin to rebuild and recover from the outbreak. The Town of Huntington operates buses that serve its residents, including disabled persons and non-driving senior citizen residents. The grant is 100 percent federal funds with no local match required, officials said.

"We have fought hard to deliver critical federal funds to public transit systems across New York, including Huntington’s bus system, to provide essential workers and local residents with reliable public transit options throughout this unprecedented health and economic crisis," Schumer said. "We must continue to invest in sustaining our public transit systems because a vibrant bus system is fundamental to recovering from this crisis and rebuilding our communities and economy."

Suozzi said the CARES Act funding will help offset the financial impact the coronavirus had on transit operations throughout New York.

"The challenge is that all New York transit, and all State and Local governments, still need much more help, and [U.S. Senator] Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) refuses to even come to the table," Suozzi said. "Special thanks to Senator Schumer for working with me and the entire New York delegation to fight for our interests. Senator Schumer is always fighting for New York and we know it."

Gillibrand said the funds will continue providing public transportation for riders who rely on safe and sanitary transit during the pandemic.

"The busing system in the Town of Huntington is central to the economy and workforce, and we must ensure they have the resources needed to combat the challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis," she said. "I’m proud to have secured these funds in the CARES Act to help our communities recover."