FT. WORTH, TX — Trinity Metro will receive $55 million as part of the CARES Act funding for public transportation. The Regional Transportation Council approved the funding, which can be used for financial impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trinity Metro’s $55,161,034 will be used to offset losses in the operating budget from decreased sales tax and fare box revenue. The money will also be used for COVID-19 expenses that were incurred to protect passengers and employees.

“The grant funds will primarily cover salaries, wages, and lost revenues,” said Bob Baulsir, CEO and President of Trinity Metro. “Most importantly, the money will be used for the health benefits and protections for our employees and customers to ensure Trinity Metro maintains a safe and healthy working and riding environment.”

The funding is part of the $2 trillion CARES Act signed into law. From the CARES Act, the Federal Transit Administration received $25 billion for transit providers to respond to the crisis.

The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Urbanized Area received $318 million, which is allocated among 11 transit providers. The North Central Texas Council of Governments received the funds for the region and is the designated entity for distributing the money to the area’s providers.