US Federal Transit Administration Region 3 – Philadelphia, PA

Federal Transit Administration Region 3

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Region 3 Office serves as the primary federal oversight and funding agency for public transportation systems in the Mid-Atlantic region. Located at 1835 Market Street (Eleven Penn Center) in Center City Philadelphia, this office manages federal grants and compliance for transit agencies across Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. The FTA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), provides financial and technical assistance to local public transit systems, including buses, subways, light rail, commuter rail, trolleybuses, and ferries.

Grant Administration and Oversight

The Region 3 office is responsible for administering billions of dollars in federal funding annually. Its key functions include:

• Grant Management: Reviewing and approving grant applications for capital investments, state of good repair projects, and bus facility upgrades.
• Project Oversight: Monitoring the progress of major transit infrastructure projects to ensuring they meet federal engineering and safety standards.
• Safety and Compliance: Enforcing civil rights requirements (Title VI), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, and drug and alcohol testing regulations for transit employees.

Visitor Information

This is a federal administrative office, not a public service center for transit tickets or schedules. Visits are typically by appointment only for transit officials, grantees, and government representatives. The office is located in a secure commercial high-rise; visitors must check in at the building’s security desk in the lobby with a valid government-issued photo ID before proceeding to Suite 1910.

Location and Transit Access

The office is situated in the heart of Philadelphia’s business district, offering excellent accessibility. It is located blocks away from Suburban Station (serving all SEPTA Regional Rail lines) and the 19th Street Trolley Station. Multiple SEPTA bus routes also serve the immediate area along Market Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard.