First Transit Inc., part of Cincinnati-based FirstGroup America, was awarded a transit services contract for the Mid Mon Valley Transit Authority (MMVTA) in Charleroi, Pa., beginning July 1.

The contract is a three-year agreement with two optional renewal years that includes the operation, maintenance and management of a fleet of 28 vehicles. MMVTA will replace six of their older 1997 vehicles in 2009 with six new 40-foot, low-floor Gillig buses.

First Transit will be responsible for management and operation of regular fixed route and complementary paratransit services. The MMVTA service area includes 21 jurisdictions and the provision of service to California University and daily commuter service to and from Pittsburgh.