U.S. DOT Invests $1.8 Million for Improved Bus Service in Topeka

Topeka area commuters, including those with disabilities, will benefit from improved bus service thanks to a $1.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA), U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta announced today.

“Today’s investment means more options for Topeka's commuters,” said Secretary Mineta. “The Bush Administration understands that transit works when it connects all workers to jobs, all shoppers to stores, and all Topeka area residents to the rapidly expanding economy.”

The Topeka Metropolitan Transit Authority will use the $1,781,750 grant to buy 15 30-foot buses, which will replace older buses that are becoming inefficient to operate and four 35-foot buses that are accessible to people with disabilities. Topeka Transit also will buy, service vehicles and a machine to wash buses.

The new buses will provide enhanced service to all riders, and will reduce both air pollution and maintenance costs, Mineta said. The buses will operate through Topeka Transit's new state-of-the art Quincy Street Station transfer center located at 820 SE Quincy St. This station, which opened in October 2003, also was funded in part with approximately $1.7 million in federal funds. The new transfer center permits Topeka Transit to park all of its buses off-street, and greatly improves the safety and convenience to passengers making transfers. Mineta also pointed out that Topeka Transit expects to see an increase in passenger ridership with the purchase of the new vehicles and the convenience of the new transfer center.

The funds announced today are part of the FTA’s capital investment program that provides financial assistance for transit agencies to purchase new vehicles and construct new facilities.