FTA AWARDS $7 MILLION FOR METRO’S BUS PROGRAM

June 2, 2008

The Federal Transit Administration today announced additional funding for projects in its Bus and Bus Facilities Program for FY 2008, with METRO getting $7 million – one of the largest amounts allocated for bus and bus facility purchases.

METRO will apply the money toward the purchase of replacement buses.

“We may be in the midst of a light-rail expansion, but the heart of our business is buses, and we are continually looking to improve and expand bus service,” said Frank J. Wilson, METRO President & CEO. “With the FTA’s support, METRO is continuing toward its ultimate goal of creating a regional, integrated, multi-modal system that includes commuter rail, light rail and buses.”

Last year, METRO initiated a bus replacement program that calls for adding 100 new buses to its fleet each year. Its current orders call for diesel-hybrid buses which use less fuel and produce less air pollution.

“Houston METRO has made strong and progressive strides in making its bus operations a key objective of its transit system,” said Sherry Little, deputy administrator for the FTA. “The transit agency competed successfully among 100 other bus facility applicants and the FTA is glad to make such a wise investment.”

The most recent funding came from discretionary allocations in the FTA’s FY 2008 budget and totaled more than $96 million. This FTA Bus and Bus Facilities program provides money for new and replacement buses and related equipment and buildings. In addition to fleet upgrades, additional eligible programs include transfer facilities, park-and-ride stations, intermodal terminals, and passenger shelters and bus stop signs.