New York Times: Some Transit Aid May Be Freed Up for Operating Costs

From New York Times:

For some public transit systems, the federal stimulus program seemed like an O. Henry gift. Washington sent them billions of dollars for new equipment and construction, but nothing to operate the systems they have, even as many are cutting service or raising fares. Now Congress may be providing some relief. A provision tucked inside the latest war spending bill would allow transit agencies to spend up to 10 percent of their stimulus money on operating expenses. “It’s really welcome news for us,” said Adella Jones, the vice president for government affairs at the St. Louis transit agency, Metro, which instituted some of the deepest transit cuts in the country earlier this year when it suspended service to 2,300 bus stops, laid off 450 workers and left many commuters in the region struggling to find new ways to get to work.