The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has made up to $409.6 million in competitive grants available through the Buses and Bus Facilities Program, which helps fund the purchase and rehabilitation of buses, vans and related equipment, as well as the construction of bus facilities.
“The Biden Administration believes that expanding and improving bus service is an essential part of reaching our ambitious economic, climate, equity, safety and accessibility goals,” said Deputy Transportation Secretary Polly Trottenberg. “This funding will help transit agencies modernize their bus fleets and better connect their riders with jobs and opportunities -- benefits we can bring to even more communities with passage of the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act.”
The Buses and Bus Facilities Program is FTA’s largest annual discretionary package. In support of the Biden Administration’s goal to mobilize American ingenuity to build a modern infrastructure and an equitable, clean energy future, FTA is encouraging applicants to submit projects that will help improve air quality and promote environmental justice.
To combat climate change, FTA encourages applicants to consider significant community benefits related to the environment, including those projects that incorporate low- or no-emission technology or specific elements to address greenhouse gas emissions and climate change impacts.
FTA also encourages applicants to consider projects that encourage racial equity in planning and policies and project investments that either proactively address racial equity and barriers to opportunity, including automobile dependence as a form of barrier, or redress prior inequities and barriers to opportunity.
“Transit operators nationwide have an opportunity to replace aging buses and facilities with newer, cleaner infrastructure that is more efficient to operate and maintain,” said FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez. “Modern buses, particularly those powered with battery-electric or fuel cells, improve air quality and help us address the climate crisis.”
FTA will encourage grant recipients to use up to half a percent of awarded funds for workforce development activities, as well as an additional half a percent for costs associated with training at the National Transit Institute. FTA says these actions support its commitment to helping transit workers stay aligned with technological advancements.
FTA will accept proposals through 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 19, 2021. A webinar discussing this round of funding will be held on Oct. 13 at 2:00 p.m.
