Four of Ohio’s major transit authorities have been awarded more than $43.5 million in federal grants to modernize their bus fleets and upgrade essential facilities. The funding is part of a larger $2 billion investment announced today by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, aimed at improving the reliability and efficiency of bus infrastructure across the nation.

The grants, awarded through the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities and Low or No Emission Grant programs, will allow Ohio agencies to retire aging vehicles and transition toward cleaner, more efficient technologies including Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and hybrid models.

Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) received the largest share of the state’s funding, securing $19.9 million. This investment will support the expansion of COTA’s CNG bus fleet and fund critical upgrades to its operations and maintenance facility, ensuring the agency can meet growing demand in the Columbus region.

In Southwest Ohio, the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) was awarded $11.5 million. SORTA plans to use the funds to replace aging buses that have exceeded their useful life with new hybrid buses, a move expected to improve service reliability for Cincinnati-area riders while reducing fuel consumption.

METRO Regional Transit Authority (METRO RTA), serving Summit County, will receive $9.7 million. The agency will utilize the grant to replace older vehicles with new CNG buses, continuing its commitment to maintaining a modern and sustainable fleet for Akron and surrounding communities.

The Allen County Regional Transit Authority (ACRTA) in Lima secured $2.3 million. These funds are designated for the purchase of new buses to replace older units that have reached the end of their service life, ensuring continued access to transit for Allen County residents.

“Delivering new-and-improved bus infrastructure is yet another example of how America is building again,” Secretary Duffy said in the announcement. “With these grants, thousands of new buses will hit the road and infrastructure will be upgraded—making public transit more efficient, affordable and safe for American families.”

The FTA’s Low or No Emission and Buses and Bus Facilities programs are highly competitive, designed to help agencies tackle maintenance backlogs and transition to lower-emission technologies. Across the country, today's announcement funds 165 projects in 45 states.

By replacing vehicles that are past their useful life, Ohio’s transit agencies can reduce maintenance disruptions and provide a more dependable commute for the thousands of Ohioans who rely on these services for work, school, and daily needs.

Summary of Ohio Grant Recipients:

• Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA): $19,906,459 (CNG fleet expansion & facility upgrades)

• Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA): $11,498,030 (New hybrid buses)

• METRO Regional Transit Authority (Summit County): $9,741,172 (New CNG buses)

• Allen County Regional Transit Authority (ACRTA): $2,354,425 (Fleet replacement)

Cover photo attribute: Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority