Skip to main content

US DOT announces funding opportunity to improve bus service nationwide

The US Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced the opportunity to apply for approximately US$266 million in competitive grant funding for bus programs nationwide. The funding consists of US$211 million in grants for buses and bus facilities projects, as well as US$55 million specifically for FTA’s Low and No Emission (Low-No) bus program, which promotes technologically-advanced and environmentally-friendly buses. These investments will help advance the President’
March 31, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
The 324 US Department of Transportation’s 2023 Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced the opportunity to apply for approximately US$266 million in competitive grant funding for bus programs nationwide.

The funding consists of US$211 million in grants for buses and bus facilities projects, as well as US$55 million specifically for FTA’s Low and No Emission (Low-No) bus program, which promotes technologically-advanced and environmentally-friendly buses. These investments will help advance the President’s vision for a cleaner, 21st century transportation system that reduces carbon emissions while expanding transportation options for families.
 
Eligible projects include those that replace, rehabilitate, lease, and purchase buses and related equipment as well as projects to purchase, rehabilitate, construct or lease bus-related facilities, such as buildings for bus storage and maintenance.  

FTA will award the grants to eligible transit agencies, state transportation departments, and Indian tribes on a competitive basis. Projects will be evaluated by criteria outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity, including the need for investment in bus transit systems, benefits to the community (including economic and workforce development), implementation of low and no-emission technologies, and integration with local and regional long-term planning.

“Transit buses are a lifeline to opportunity for countless Americans, but too often these buses are outdated and unreliable,” said US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “As demand for transit grows and our nation’s population continues to expand, these much-needed funds will help bring communities the latest technologies to strengthen and improve their bus infrastructure.”

“Our state and local partners across the country will benefit from the increased funding and flexibility available through this program,” said FTA acting administrator Therese McMillan. “With a large and growing maintenance backlog throughout the public transportation industry, it is vital for local agencies to have additional resources to address their community’s needs.”
UTC

Related Content

  • July 23, 2014
    Former DOT chiefs press for more infrastructure funding
    As Congress considers legislation to avoid a shortfall of the Highway Trust Fund, Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and 11 of his predecessors have written an open letter to Congress. Their message: Congress’ work doesn’t end with the bill under consideration. Transportation in America still needs a much larger, longer-term investment. The letter begins: “This week, it appears that Congress will act to stave off the looming insolvency of the Highway Trust Fund. The bill, if passed, should extend surf
  • May 21, 2012
    US DOT announces ITS video challenge
    The US Department of Transportation's Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) has announced the ITS Video Challenge, a new national competition showcasing innovative ways that local communities use smart transportation technology to improve safety, mobility and the environment.
  • May 23, 2012
    Fort Collins gets grant for rapid-transit bus project
    The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has awarded a US$54.5 million grant to the city of Fort Collins in Colorado for its MAX Bus Rapid Transit project. Nearly $3.9 million will also be given by the FTA for the project via its bus facilities and bus grant programme. That amounts the overall federal commitment to the project to some $69.4 million, 80 per cent of the project. The balance of funding is to come from the Colorado State University, Fort Collins, the Downtown Development Authority and the Colo
  • November 2, 2016
    ‘Green bus’ guide launched
    The Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP) has launched the Low Emission Bus (LEB) Guide, which aims to be a vital reference for bus operators and local authorities, providing an overview of the benefits of a range of low emission fuels and technologies that reduce both air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The Guide is intended to equip bus operators and local authorities with information to aid purchasing decisions, and encourage the adoption of the most appropriate low emission bus technology a