AMES, Iowa – Jan. 9, 2024 – The Iowa Transportation Commission, Tuesday, approved more than $53 million in funding for 145 new public transit vehicles and four new public transit facilities. Six of the vehicles will be used to increase the number of vehicles available for public transit service, and 139 vehicles will replace older models past their useful life.

Funds will be used to support construction of two vehicle storage and operations facilities for Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Authority, one vehicle storage facility for River Bend Transit, and one operations and vehicle storage facility for Southern Iowa Trolley.

These funds are available through various federal formula and discretionary grant programs.

Projects were approved for 25 different public transit systems. Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2023 Transit Program [Modified van or light duty Mid-sized bus] (Vehicle replacement) funding was approved by the Commission for five vehicles in Region 12 based in Carroll, three vehicles for Region 13, based in Atlantic, and four vehicles in Region 14 based in Creston.

Bus replacement grants were provided for the same three regions to purchase mini-vans and light duty buses. And, Bus & Bus Facilities Discretionary grants were awarded to the Southwest Iowa Transit Agency (SWITA) – based in Atlantic, and the Southern Iowa Trolley – based in Creston.

Details are available HERE.