TxDOT: $156 million to transit agencies across Texas

PHARR, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Transportation Commission approved over $123 million to support transit programs across the state with the Texas Department of Transportation winning a federal grant of $26.8 million from the Federal Transit Administration.

According to a news release from TxDOT, with state funds, $156 million will go toward public transit agencies over the next year.

Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council will receive $40,000 as a lead planning agency and Starr County will receive $3,000 for small urban and rural areas.

“These funds will help Texans in rural and urban communities access safe and reliable mobility options that improve quality of life and enhance economic opportunity,” Texas Transportation Commissioner Alvin New said. “These programs connect people with their community and give them a way to get around when they may have no other option.”

The funding will be used to help transit agencies across the state, providing:

New Facilities and Fleet: Construction of new transit facilities in Amarillo, Sherman, San Angelo, and Alice. The Capital Area Rural Transportation System (CARTS) Eastside Bus Plaza in east Austin will be upgraded to accommodate additional intercity passengers. The money will also go towards more than 150 new buses, allowing the older fleet to be retired.

Intercity Connections: Long-distance connections between rural and urban metropolitan areas, supporting 15 routes across the state. This will help sustain longer-distance travel options within Texas and connections to the national intercity bus network.

New Services: Increased quality of service for people who use transit in their day-to-day lives. Hunt County will see expanded services for seniors and persons with disabilities – adding Saturday service for the first time. Planning for micro-transit services, offering shorter distance trips, will start in Uvalde, Eagle Pass, and Crystal City/Carrizo Springs.