US DOT announces funding opportunity to improve transit bus service

The 324 US Department of Transportation’s (US DOT) 2023 Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced approximately US$226.5 million in competitive grant funding for transit bus projects nationwide.

The Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Infrastructure Investment Program has been authorised by Congress to improve the condition of bus infrastructure nationwide by funding the replacement and rehabilitation of buses and related facilities. The application period will close on 25 August 25 2017 at 11:59 pm.

All projects must comply with Buy America regulations, which require that all iron, steel or manufactured products be produced in the United States, as well as final assembly of vehicles. 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 Bus Infrastructure grants to designated recipients, states or local governmental entities that operate fixed route bus service and Indian tribes. Projects will be evaluated by criteria outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity. The program allocates a minimum of ten per cent, US$22.6 million, to rural bus needs.