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U. S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao announced this week 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.
“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.
About the Phoenix Public Transit Department:
The Phoenix Public Transit Department provides Phoenix residents a variety of transit options and is the largest member of the Valley Metro regional transit system. Services range from local and commuter buses to alternative transportation for senior citizens and special needs. The city of Phoenix funds transit, and other transportation improvements, through Transportation 2050 (T2050) – a local sales tax approved by Phoenix voters in 2015 – as well as county and federal funds. T2050 allows for enhanced bus service, transit-related technology improvements, and fare media upgrades under the leadership of the Citizens Transportation Commission. Visit us at phoenix.gov/publictransit or follow us on Twitter for the latest news.
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