The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) participated in the groundbreaking of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (Metro) Cinder Bed Road Bus Facility that will help improve transit service for thousands of Metrobus riders in Northern Virginia.

FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff joined Congressman Jim Moran and officials from Fairfax County, Alexandria and Metro at the event.  

“We have to keep buses, equipment and facilities in good shape if people are going to be able to rely on transit to get to work, school or other important appointments on time,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “This new bus facility is an excellent example of how investing in 21st century transportation options will better meet the needs of today’s riders and of future generations.”

The new bus facility will replace an outdated and deteriorating bus garage originally built in 1945. The state-of-the-art facility will feature new and more reliable equipment to improve the maintenance of 160 buses and accommodate newer, alternative fuel buses that require space and equipment that doesn’t exist at the current garage.

Metro expects to use approximately $58 million in FTA formula funds toward the $85 million project. The remaining cost will be covered by state and local funding sources. The new facility is expected to open in 2015.