The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will award approximately $1.5 billion in grants through two programs to projects that expand bus manufacturing, build and renovate bus facilities, and expand accessibility for families utilizing commuter transit.
Strengthening U.S. bus manufacturing can “stabilize the cost of new buses and accelerate delivery to the transit agencies that need them,” the U.S. Department of Transportation said.
The Buses and Bus Facilities Program will award approximately $400 million for fiscal year 2025. The program supports transit agencies purchase and rehabilitation of buses and vans. It also helps agencies build bus facilities.
The Low or No Emission Program will award $1.1 billion. The program helps transit agencies buy or lease buses made in the United States, purchase equipment, and maintain facilities.
The programs have separate requirements and funding amounts. Transit agencies are encouraged to consider strategies to avoid customization.
The FTA removed requirements related to climate change, environmental justice, sustainability, and diversity, equity and inclusion and replaced them with a requirement that transit agencies describe how their projects will improve the accessibility of transportation for families with young children. The focus must be on improving access to jobs, healthcare and retail.
Applications must be submitted electronically by July 14.