Community Corner
Phoenix Public Transit Secures Millions In Grant For New Buses
This important news means there will be additional funding to improve the reliability of Phoenix's existing bus system.
August 12, 2020
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U. S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao announced this week that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is awarding the Phoenix Public Transit Department over $6.9 million in funding for new buses.
This important news means there will be additional funding to improve the reliability of Phoenix’s existing bus system.
Find out what's happening in Phoenixfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“This grant is critical for the funding of new buses,” says Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “Even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, we have continued to provide essential public transit services to the community. This grant will help enhance the efficiency and reliability of our bus fleet while providing access to jobs, schools and important health services our residents need.”
The Public Transit team worked hard to meet all the criteria needed for this funding opportunity. The application process was highly competitive (the FTA received 282 applications) as demand for grants for buses and bus facilities far exceeded available funds.
“Improving transportation infrastructure is vital to our residents who rely on our transit system, and it is key to building and strengthening an economy. I appreciate U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao’s commitment to provide grants that will improve the safety and reliability of bus service at this critical time,” says Councilwoman Thelda Williams, who chairs the City Council’s Transportation, Infrastructure and Innovation Subcommittee.
The voter-approved Phoenix Transportation 2050 plan, or T2050, identifies the need to continue to purchase new buses to modernize and expand the city's local bus fleet. Many riders depend on the bus system to get where they need to go and upgraded buses provide customers with even more reliable service. Phoenix has been actively purchasing new buses since 2014, replacing an average of 40 a year.
This press release was produced by the City of Phoenix. The views expressed here are the author’s own.
