Regional Transportation Authority to provide local matching funds

The City of Tucson has received a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to replace approximately 15 Sun Tran buses.

The funds are made available through the DOT’s State of Good Repair (SGR) program, which enables public transit providers to replace, rehabilitate, and purchase buses and related equipment.

DOT received $4.2 billion in requests for the $775 million allocated to the SGR. Sun Tran plans to replace buses in its fleet that are up to 16 years old. According to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the expected useful lifespan of a transit bus is 12 years.

Under FTA regulations, grant recipients are required to provide local matching funds of up to 20 percent of the project. Local match for this new bus purchase is made possible with funding from the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). The RTA transit element includes funds to expand Sun Tran’s fleet, as well as replace aging buses. These funds can be used to leverage additional funds through grants or other funding sources.

“We acknowledge Congressman Raúl Grijalva’s crucial role in securing this funding,” stated Sun Tran General Manager Katrina Heineking. “We are also grateful to the RTA for its ongoing commitment to regional transit improvements. New buses allow the Tucson region to benefit from a cleaner environment, and provide Sun Tran riders with a more comfortable commuting experience.”

Sun Tran will work with the City of Tucson to begin the process of purchasing new buses. Delivery is expected to occur in approximately 18 months.

Sun Tran is Tucson’s award winning regional public transportation system, which is operated by Professional Transit Management, Ltd. (PTM), and under contract with the City of Tucson. With more than 600 employees, 40 fixed routes and a fleet of 241 buses, Sun Tran’s mission is to provide safe, reliable, well maintained and cost effective public transportation with a team of innovative and diverse employees, dedicated to our customers, the environment and the community.

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