FL-2023-073

Application Purpose: To replace ten (10) 40 fixed route diesel buses with compressed natural gas (CNG) to continue an efficient operation while renewing the Lynx Transit System and reducing greenhouse gas emissions for disadvantaged communities.

Activities performed: Procurement of ten (10) CNG buses and conduct pre and post Buy America audit.

Expected outcomes: Deploying CNG electric buses and cutaways in place of fossil fuel vehicles will reduce energy consumption as the vehicles will consume less energy per mile than buses that use other common propulsion technologies. This project is necessary for the efficiency and resilience of Lynx services and sustainability of local transportation in Lynx rural service area. In addition, this will ensure that the communities served, especially the transportation disadvantaged, can take advantage of the health and environmental benefits associated with low emission vehicles. The project is expected to improve the on-time performance as some late departures occur as a result of maintenance issues of an old fleet. Another expected outcome is to enhance access and mobility, increasing reliability in service to find and maintain employment opportunities, on-time medical appointments, essential errands, socialization, and overall quality of life. Safe and effective vehicles are a key factor for community resilience.

Intended beneficiaries: Lynx provides the bulk of its service in Orange County with a total of 58 links, 43 that operate exclusively within Orange County, 8 are shared with Osceola County, and 7 are shared with Seminole County. Additionally, one route serves Lake/Orange County. Osceola County is served by a total of 13 links, 5 that operate exclusively within Osceola County and 8 that are shared with Orange County/Lake/Osceola Counties. Seminole County is served by a total of 12 links, 5 that operate exclusively in Seminole County and 7 that are shared with Orange County. An analysis conducted using the 2019 American Community Survey demonstrated the majority of the Lynx service area comprises of minority groups, 52% Hispanic and African American, including areas with 10-25+% minority populations. The intended beneficiaries would be the people living and working in the peripheries of the urbanized area boundaries of the Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties. This population, as defined by Justice40 indicators (transportation, health, economy, equity, resilience, and environmental), represents a total of 80% of the Lynx fixed route rural service area. Some of the rural areas identified are Clermont, Pine Hills, Four Corners, Kissimmee, and Poinciana. This project will allow for these communities to have access to sustainable transportation, thus increasing mobility and access to employment, medical care, and other essential services that improve opportunity and quality of life for the impacted populations.

Subrecipient activities: Not applicable. No subrecipient activities will be funded through this grant.

Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority

NOT APPLICABLE

20.526 - Buses and Bus Facilities Formula, Competitive, and Low or No Emissions Programs

FTA Region 4 [DOT - FTA]

FTA Office of Budget and Policy [DOT - FTA]

Florida United States

State-Wide

NOT APPLICABLE

Infrastructure $6,478,370 (100%) percent this Project Grant was funded by the 2021 Infrastructure Act.
Amendment Since initial award the End Date has been shortened from 03/30/30 to 05/06/25.