The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced the opportunity to apply for approximately $366.3 million in fiscal year 2018 competitive grant funding for transit bus projects nationwide. The Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Infrastructure Investment Program is authorized by Congress to improve the condition of bus infrastructure nationwide by funding the replacement and rehabilitation of buses and related facilities.

"The Administration is committed to investing in our nation’s transportation infrastructure and these funds will help communities upgrade and modernize their bus fleets and infrastructure," said Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

Projects eligible for this funding opportunity include those that replace, rehabilitate, lease, or 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 and Bus Facilities Infrastructure Investment grants to designated recipients, states, and local governmental entities that operate fixed-route bus service, as well as Indian tribes. Projects will be evaluated by criteria outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity. The program allocates a minimum of 10% — $36.6 million — to rural bus needs. The application period will close on August 6.

"Transit buses throughout the country provide vital connections to jobs and economic opportunities for millions of Americans," said FTA Acting Administrator K. Jane Williams.

Federal public transportation law (49 USC § 5339(b)), authorizes FTA’s competitive Grants for Buses & Bus Facilities Infrastructure Investment Program through FY 2020. Funding for the program was increased by 76%, or $161 million in Fiscal Year 2018, by the FY 2018 Consolidated Appropriations Act.

In addition, the FY 2017 Bus and Bus Facilities Infrastructure Investment Program funded 139 projects to 52 states and territories totaling nearly $264.5 million.