Two Virginia Public Transit Agencies and WMATA to Receive $8.6 Million in Competitive Federal Grants

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Two Virginia Public Transit Agencies and WMATA to Receive $8.6 Million in Competitive Federal Grants
~ Grants will Fund Purchase of New Buses and Bus Facilities~

RICHMOND - The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) is pleased to announce that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has awarded three of its public transportation grantees a total of $8.6 million in FY17 discretionary grants to expand transit service.

• Blacksburg Transit (BT) has been awarded $1.4 million that will add two more buses to its fleet. The articulated buses will measure 60 feet in length and will help meet current and future ridership, which is growing as Virginia Tech expands. 

• The Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC) will receive $3.6 million in funding to purchase new commuter buses to replace older buses that have exceeded their useful lives. 

• Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (WMATA) was also awarded $3.6 million in federal grant funds to replace bus shelters in the Washington D.C. region.

“The Commonwealth is encouraged by its participation in this competitive federal grant program as three of our transit operators have been awarded funds. These grants will allow the town of Blacksburg to accommodate its growing ridership and allow for PRTC to improve the state of good repair of its fleet. In addition, new bus shelters will positively add to the WMATA customer experience,” said DRPT Director Jennifer Mitchell.

FTA’s discretionary Bus and Bus Facilities Infrastructure Investment Program makes federal resources available to improve infrastructure by replacing, rehabilitating, and purchasing buses and related equipment. The program allocates $226.5 million to eligible recipients through a competitive grant process. These funds go to fixed route bus operators, states or local government entities, and Indian tribes.

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About the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
DRPT’s mission is to improve the mobility of people and goods while expanding transportation choices in the Commonwealth through rail, public transportation, and commuter services. DRPT is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in or denied the benefits of its services on the basis of race, color, or national origin as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.