The Texas Transportation Commission approved more than $123 million in funding for the states public transit providers, which, when combined with a recent federal grant of $26.88 million, means the state will support transit with more than $156 million over the next year.
“These funds will help Texans in rural and urban communities access safe and reliable mobility options that improve quality of life and enhance economic opportunity,” Texas Transportation Commissioner Alvin New said. “These programs connect people with their community and give them a way to get around when they may have no other option.”
The funds being provided to transit agencies across the state consist of state funds, as well as federal formula planning funds, federal formula funds for rural areas and federal formula funds for the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities program.
In early July, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) was awarded a $26.88 million grant through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program. TxDOT was awarded the grant on behalf of 30 regional transportation districts. The funds will be used to replace transit vehicles and complete bus facility projects across Texas. This project will provide better transit access in rural areas and 30 regional transportation districts, while bringing rural transit fleets to a state of good repair.
TxDOT says the funs will support construction of new transit facilities in Amarillo, Sherman, San Angelo and Alice. The Capital Area Rural Transportation System Eastside Bus Plaza in east Austin will be upgraded to accommodate additional intercity passengers. The money will also go towards more than 150 new buses, allowing older vehicles to be retired.
Intercity connections will also be enhanced with the funds, which will support 15 long-distance routes across the state. TxDOT says this will help sustain longer-distance travel options within Texas and connections to the national intercity bus network.
The allocated funds will support new services including in Hunt County where Saturday service will be provided for the first time. Plans are also underway for microtransit services to begin in Uvalde, Eagle Pass and Crystal City/Carrizo Springs.
