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America’s bus infrastructure to be modernised with $264 million funding

Posted: 6 April 2018 | | No comments yet

Across America, 139 projects are to receive funding to improve their infrastructure, vehicles and operations, enhancing the nation’s bus network and services…

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced a grant of approximately $264 million for projects to improve the safety and reliability of America’s bus systems.

This investment is expected to enhance mobility for transit riders across the country. A total of 139 projects in 52 states and territories will receive funding from the ‘Buses and Bus Facilities Infrastructure Investment Program’. 

“Every day, working families across America rely on buses and these grants will ensure that these vital services continue to be both safe and efficient,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary, Elaine L. Chao.

The grants will fund projects to replace, rehabilitate and purchase buses and related equipment as well as the purchase and construction of bus-related facilities, such as buildings for bus storage and maintenance.

“FTA is proud to help bring new and rehabilitated buses, facilities and equipment to communities across the country,” said FTA Acting Administrator, K. Jane Williams. “This marks a step forward in improving mobility for the millions of Americans who travel by bus to work, school, healthcare and other services.”

Among the projects selected to receive funding are The Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works in Florida who will receive funding to purchase Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to replace older buses that have exceeded their useful life, and The Port Authority of Allegheny County in Pennsylvania who will receive funding to purchase low-floor clean diesel buses.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation will also receive funding to help transit agencies throughout the state improve bus services, by replacing older transit vehicles with newer models.

However, more funding is required across the U.S. Demand for FTA’s ‘Buses and Bus Facilities Infrastructure Investment Program’ exceeded the available funds, as FTA received applications for 453 eligible projects totalling approximately $2 billion.

Project proposals were evaluated based on criteria outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity.