TX-2026-034

Application purpose: The purpose of this award is to provide BTD FY 2023 Section 5339(c) funding to purchase hybrid-electric replacement buses, vans, and trolleys through the Bus and Bus Facilities Program.

BTD's purchase of these hybrid-electric vehicles in the College Station-Bryan urban area will promote a good transportation system.

Activities performed: Funds will be used to purchase thirteen hybrid-electric replacement buses (comprised of 7 (40 ft) buses, 2 (30 ft) buses, 4 trolleys), supportive services, and employee education and training on hybrid-electric technologies.

This will help BTD to promote an efficient bus fleet and provide necessary tools and training on using hybrid-electric vehicles.

This grant funding simultaneously achieves BTD's goal for buses and bus facilities through three primary aims: I) improving safety, II) strengthening the condition of the transit system, and III) enhancing access and mobility, particularly for community members within opportunity zones.

Replacing BTD buses will increase fleet capacity by 58% from 24 available seats with two wheelchairs to 36 available seats with two wheelchairs.

This investment in higher-capacity buses enables BTD to reconfigure routes and schedules to more effectively address and balance transit service throughout the region.

This addition improves the efficacy of on-time performance and modernizes the existing transit system in the region.

Additional buses will also provide more access and mobility to various land uses, social services, employment, and education, especially for community members within opportunity zones.

Expected outcomes: With FTA funding, BTD can address several safety concerns with its current fleet.

Our ridership has grown tremendously, outpacing our 24-seat standard configuration bus capacity, thus requiring riders to regularly stand for up to one hour in duration.

This results in hazardous conditions, especially for our elderly riders who could suffer severe consequences.

Another area of concern that will be mitigated with a funding award will be improving the condition of the current BTD fleet by replacing assets that are in poor condition and have surpassed their minimum or intended useful life benchmarks.

Replacing vehicles that have exceeded their useful life improves safety, reliability, and service quality while reducing maintenance and operating costs.

It allows BTD to meet federal safety standards, access grant funding, and comply with FTA Transit Asset Management (TAM) requirements.

New vehicles provide cleaner, more fuel-efficient technology, enhance passenger comfort and accessibility, and project a positive public image.

Intended beneficiaries: Residents of Bryan College Station and the students and staff for Texas A&M University.

Subrecipient activities: None.

Brazos Transit District

THE GRANTS FOR BUSES AND BUS FACILITIES COMPETITIVE PROGRAM PROVIDES FUNDING TO REPLACE REHABILITATE AND PURCHASE BUSES AND RELATED EQUIPMENT AND TO CONSTRUCT BUS-RELATED FACILITIES INCLUDING TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGES OR INNOVATIONS TO MODIFY LOW OR NO EMISSION VEHICLES OR FACILITIES.

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

FTA Region 6 [DOT - FTA]

FTA Office of Budget and Policy [DOT - FTA]

Texas United States

State-Wide

FY 2023 Competitive Funding Opportunity; Buses and Bus Facilities Program (FTA-2023-003-TPM-BUS)