U.S. DOT Announces Grants for New Natural Gas Buses, Facilities

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) 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 will receive a share of nearly $211 million to replace, rehabilitate, and purchase transit buses and related equipment, and construct bus-related facilities. Many of the approved projects include the purchase of new natural gas-powered transit vehicles and the construction of natural gas fueling and maintenance facilities.

“These grants will improve mobility for thousands of transit riders who depend on bus service every day, expanding access to employment, education, healthcare, and other important services in their communities,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.

Demand for FTA’s Bus Program far exceeded available funds, as FTA received 284 applications totaling $1.64 billion from 236 applicants. 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.

CNG-related projects selected to receive 2016 Bus Program funding:

AL – $405,000 – Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority

The Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority will receive funds to purchase a new CNG bus for service in the Birmingham, Alabama region.

AR – $1,653,498 – Central Arkansas Transit Authority (dba Rock Region METRO)

The Central Arkansas Transit Authority in Little Rock will receive funding to purchase CNG buses to replace vehicles that have met their useful life.

CA – $10,500,000 – Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) will receive funding for the replacement of buses that have met their useful life with CNG buses to operate in the South Bay LA area. LACMTA will also install related CNG infrastructure and train workers on the new technology.

CA – $695,088 – Sacramento Regional Transit District

Sacramento Regional Transit District will receive funding to replace buses that have met their useful life with new CNG-fueled buses.

CA – $400,000 – Sacramento Regional Transit District

Sacramento Regional Transit District will receive funding to replace CNG fueling equipment at a bus maintenance facility.

FL – $4,273,771 – Hillsborough Transit Authority

The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) will receive funding to purchase CNG buses to replace diesel buses that have reached the end of their useful life.

IL – $391,000 – Rock Island County Metropolitan Mass Transit District (Metrolink)

The Rock Island County Metropolitan Mass Transit District (Metrolink) will receive funding to replace diesel buses that have exceeded their useful life with CNG buses.

MI – $12,800,000 – Mass Transportation Authority

The Mass Transportation Authority will receive funding for the purchase of CNG transit buses for Flint and a workforce development training program for mechanics and drivers.

NE – $2,424,240 – Transit Authority of the City of Omaha (Metro)

The Transit Authority of the City of Omaha (Metro) will receive funding to purchase new CNG buses and partner with local community and workforce development centers to integrate public transit into the local workforce development experience.

OK – $1,932,000 – Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority

The Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority will receive funding to purchase new CNG replacement buses for their fixed route service in Oklahoma City.

PA – $2,040,000 – River Valley Transit

River Valley Transit will receive funding to purchase new CNG replacement buses in Williamsport.