Feds Drop $388M on New Buses: Commute Upgrade or Yawn?
Published Date: 3/17/2026
Notice
Summary
The Federal Transit Administration is awarding $388 million to 34 projects that will help states and public agencies buy new buses, fix old ones, and improve bus facilities in 2026. This funding supports cleaner, safer, and better bus services across the country. If you applied, get ready to start your projects soon and reach out to your regional office for next steps!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
FTA awards $388.28M to 34 bus projects
The Federal Transit Administration is awarding $388,279,883 to 34 projects to help states and public agencies replace, rehabilitate, purchase, or lease buses and related equipment and to construct or rehabilitate bus-related facilities. These projects fund new buses, repairs to old buses, and facility improvements that support cleaner, safer, and better bus service in the communities selected.
Pre‑award costs allowed from Feb 20, 2026 (risky)
Selected projects are eligible to incur pre-award costs no earlier than February 20, 2026, but pre-award costs are incurred at the recipient’s own risk. The FTA is not required to reimburse pre-award costs if a grant is not ultimately obligated or if the obligated grant is smaller than expected, and reimbursement depends on meeting planning and environmental requirements.
Rural set‑aside and per‑applicant cap applied
A minimum of 15 percent of the amount made available for the Bus Competitive Program is set aside for projects located in rural areas. The statutory cap of 10 percent for any one applicant also applies to these joint FY 2025 and FY 2026 selections.
Obligation deadline: funds by September 30, 2029
Funds allocated in this announcement must be obligated in a grant by September 30, 2029. Recipients must work with their FTA Regional Office and submit grant applications in TrAMS to obligate the awards before that date.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-08144, Administrative Rulemaking, Guidance, and Enforcement Procedures
The Department of Transportation is bringing back and improving its rules for making new policies, giving guidance, and enforcing laws. This affects anyone involved in transportation regulations, making the process clearer and more consistent. These changes kick in on May 27, 2026, aiming to save time and avoid confusion without adding extra costs.
2026-16812, Supplemental Notice of Partial Buy America Waiver for Minibuses
On December 20, 2024, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) published a notice of proposed Buy America waiver for certain battery- electric minibuses. FTA has not made a final decision on the proposal. FTA is seeking supplemental comment as to whether FTA should remove the proposed requirement that the minibuses be battery-electric propulsion.
2026-15316, Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Bus Safety, Accessibility, and Innovation Research Program
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the opportunity to apply for $10 million in competitive funds for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Bus Safety, Accessibility, and Innovation Research Program.
2026-15090, FY 2026 Competitive Funding Opportunity: Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Infrastructure Programs
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the opportunity to apply for $610 million in competitive grants for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program and Low or No Emission Grant Program; jointly referred to as the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Infrastructure Programs.
2026-13907, FY 2026 Competitive Funding Opportunity: Innovative Coordinated Access and Mobility
The Federal Transit Administration is offering about $12 million in grants for 2026 to help communities create smarter, easier ways for people to get around. If you’re part of a local transit group or organization, you can apply by September 9, 2026. This funding aims to boost innovative projects that connect different types of transportation and make travel smoother for everyone.
2026-13627, Notice of Final Federal Agency Actions on Proposed Interstate Bridge Replacement Program in Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington
The Federal Highway and Transit Administrations have given the green light to replace the Interstate Bridge connecting Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington. This big project will improve highways and transit across the Columbia River, making travel smoother for everyone. If you want to challenge these decisions, you have until December 4, 2026, to speak up!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-05151, Initiation of Section 301 Investigations of Acts, Policies, and Practices of Various Economies Related to the Failure To Impose and Effectively Enforce a Prohibition on the Importation of Goods Produced With Forced Labor
The U.S. is launching investigations into countries that aren’t stopping goods made with forced labor from entering the market. This means businesses and governments involved in importing these products could face new rules or penalties soon. Public comments and hearings are open now, with key deadlines in April 2026, signaling possible trade changes and financial impacts ahead.
Next: 2026-05153, In the Matter of Holtec Big Rock Point, LLC; Big Rock Point Plant; Direct Transfer of License
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approved moving the Big Rock Point Plant’s license from Holtec Palisades to Holtec Big Rock Point. Holtec Decommissioning International will keep running the plant, and the license update is official as of March 11, 2026, lasting one year. This change keeps everything safe and legal without any extra costs or delays.