The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced the availability of approximately $423.3 million in fiscal year 2019 funding for transit bus projects.
The Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program is designed to improve the condition of bus infrastructure by funding the replacement and rehabilitation of buses and related facilities.
“This significant transit investment will help communities throughout our country modernize their bus fleets and create more efficient, cleaner transportation options,” states Elaine Chao, DOT secretary.
Last September, under the latest round of funding, the FTA announced approximately $366.2 million in project selections. A total of 107 projects in 50 states and territories received grants, including for a number of alternative fuel fleets.
Eligible projects include those that replace, rehabilitate, lease or purchase buses and related equipment. Other eligible projects involve purchasing, rehabilitating, constructing or leasing bus-related facilities, such as buildings for bus storage and maintenance.
“Transit buses provide a vital service for millions of Americans every day,” says K. Jane Williams, the FTA’s acting administrator. “This program is an excellent opportunity for communities to enhance the safety and reliability of their buses and improve mobility for their residents.”
The FTA will award the grants to eligible recipients, including fixed-route bus operators, states and local governmental entities that operate fixed-route bus service, and Indian tribes. As required by law, the program allocates a minimum of 10% of its funding to rural bus needs. The application period will close on June 21 at 11:59 p.m. EST. More information can be found here.
