The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) today announced the selections for its Bus and Bus Facilities Grant Program that will help provide more modern, reliable bus service for transit riders across the country.
Sixty one projects in 41 states, the Virgin Islands, and Indian Country will receive a share of nearly $211 million to replace, rehabilitate, and purchase transit buses and related equipment, and construct bus-related facilities.
Selected projects include those that replace, rehabilitate, and purchase buses and related equipment as well as projects to purchase, rehabilitate and construct bus-related facilities, such as buildings for bus storage and maintenance.
Some of the transportation agencies selected to receive 2016 Bus Program funding include the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet ($5.8 million), the Mass Transportation Authority in Flint, Michigan ($12.8 million), and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, or SEPTA ($4 million).
Demand for FTA’s Bus Program far exceeded available funds, as FTA received 284 applications totaling $1.64 billion from 236 applicants in 47 states. Project proposals were evaluated based on criteria outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity, with priority given to projects that address significant repair and maintenance needs, improve the safety of transit systems, and include advanced technologies to connect bus systems with other networks.
