Bus and Bus Facilities (5309, 5318)

Overview

The Buses and Bus Related Equipment and Facilities program provides capital assistance for new and replacement buses, related equipment, and facilities.

Eligible capital projects include the purchasing of buses for fleet and service expansion, bus maintenance and administrative facilities, transfer facilities, bus malls, transportation centers, intermodal terminals, park-and-ride stations, acquisition of replacement vehicles, bus rebuilds, bus preventive maintenance, passenger amenities such as passenger shelters and bus stop signs, accessory and miscellaneous equipment such as mobile radio units, supervisory vehicles, fare boxes, computers and shop and garage equipment.

Eligible recipients for capital investment funds are public bodies and agencies (transit authorities and other state and local public bodies and agencies thereof) including states, municipalities, other political subdivisions of states; public agencies and instrumentalities of one or more states; and certain public corporations, boards and commissions established under state law.  Funds are allocated on a discretionary basis.

Private companies engaged in public transportation and private non-profit organizations are eligible sub recipients of FTA grants.  Private operators may now receive FTA funds as a pass through without competition if they are included in a program of projects submitted by the designated public authority acting as the direct recipient of a grant.

Section 5318 is the Bus Testing Facility program.  Under this program, one facility is used for testing a new bus model for maintainability, reliability, safety, performance (including braking performance), structural integrity, fuel economy, emissions, and noise.  The program is administered under the Section 5309 Bus and Bus Related Facilities program.

Allocation of Funding
The Secretary has the discretion to allocate funds, although Congress fully earmarks all available funding.

Funds Availability
Funds remain available for obligation for three fiscal years.  This includes the fiscal year in which the amount is made available or appropriated plus two additional years.

Statutory References

• 49 U.S.C. 5309
• FTA Circular C9300.1B Capital Program: Grant Application Instructions

Related Links and Resources

• FTA Circular C9400.1A - Federal Transit Administration Design and Art in Transit Projects
• Federal Transit Laws - 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53
• Bus Testing
• Federal Transit Programs Compliance Requirements
• FTA Circulars and Guidance
• SAFETEA-LU Implementation