The Federal Transit Administration is an agency of the United States Department of Transportation The FTA provides financial and technical assistance to local public transit systems across the United States, including buses, subways, light rail, commuter rail, trolleys, and ferries. The agency administers federal funding programs that support the development, improvement, and maintenance of public transportation infrastructure and services throughout the country. The FTA also oversees transit safety through regulatory authority, conducts research and promotes innovation in public transportation, and ensures compliance with federal requirements including the Americans with Disabilities Act. The agency was established in its current form in 1991 and plays a critical role in supporting public transportation systems that serve millions of daily riders in urban, suburban, and rural communities across the United States.