Provide 1 year of operating assistance 1 year of preventive maintenance and the purchase of three (3) electric buses (one replacement and two expansion) for city of santa maria to assist IT in fixed…

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded the City of Santa Maria $12.8 million through the Federal Transit Formula Grants program (CFDA 20.507) on September 4, 2025, to support fixed-route transit operations during the 2025 fiscal year (July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025). The award provides one year of operating assistance and preventive maintenance funding for Santa Maria Regional Transit (SMRT), covering eligible operational expenses including driver salaries, fuel, and supplies with a useful life of less than one year. Additionally, the funding supports the procurement of three battery-electric buses—one replacement vehicle and two expansion vehicles—to modernize the agency's fleet and enhance service capacity.

The award benefits SMRT riders by enabling the continuation of transit operations and routine maintenance, while supporting the city's broader initiative to transition to zero-emission vehicles. No subrecipient activities are planned under this award, with all funds obligated directly to the City of Santa Maria. The project has an ultimate completion date of December 30, 2026, consistent with the FTA's formula grant program objectives to maintain transit assets in a state of good repair while improving system reliability and service capacity in urbanized areas.

Purpose

The purpose of this award is to provide 1 year of operating assistance 1 year of preventive maintenance and the purchase of three (3) electric buses (one replacement and two expansion) for city of santa maria to assist IT in fixed route transit operations during the 2025 fiscal year period of 7/01/2024 to 6/30/2025

Activities

Funds will be used to cover all eligible operating and maintenance expenses such as driver salaries fuel and items having a useful life of less than one year. Funds will be used for vehicle procurement of three (3) battery electric buses.

Expected outcomes

Funding will permit city of santa maria to continue providing operations perform routine maintenance and the procurement of three (3) battery electric buses.

Intended beneficiaries

Smrt riders will benefit from the activities in this grant as operational costs to maintain the service permitting riders to go to work and other destinations

Subrecipient activities

The city will not subaward funds