Provide funding for the purchase of 4 replacement non-revenue vehicles installing and repairing passenger facilities and procurement and installation of content management technology to support a…

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded Monterey-Salinas Transit District (MST) a Formula Grant of $4.7 million under the Buses and Bus Facilities Formula, Competitive, and Low or No Emissions Programs (CFDA 20.526) on November 19, 2025. This award funds three primary capital projects: procurement of four replacement non-revenue vehicles to support MST's fixed-route transit operations; installation and repair of passenger facilities across the transit system; and procurement and installation of content management technology for a traveler information system. The traveler information system implementation includes two main components: deployment of a traveler information platform and integration of tap-to-pay payment functionality and a reward ridership program to enhance passenger experience and system utilization.

The grant will enable MST to continue delivering essential transit services systemwide to all residents within its 295-square-mile service area across Monterey County and portions of adjacent counties, providing access to education, employment, healthcare, housing, and recreation facilities. The project completion date is October 31, 2027. As specified in the award, no indirect costs or research and development activities are included in this funding mechanism, with all obligated funds directed toward tangible capital infrastructure and technology investments.

Purpose

The purpose of this award is to provide funding for the purchase of 4 replacement non-revenue vehicles installing and repairing passenger facilities and procurement and installation of content management technology to support a traveler information system. The traveler information project is separated in this applications project 2 project 3 and project 4. The traveler information project consists of two main components. The first component includes procurement and deployment of a traveler information system. The second component includes integration of TAP-to-pay and a reward ridership program.

Activities

Funds will be used to procure non-revenue vehicles install passenger facilities and procure and install a traveler information system. This application does not include funds for research and/or development activities. Indirect costs will not be applied to this application and its scope of work. Msts fixed route fleet is comprised of over 100 full sizes buses that include 35-foot and 40-foot suburban coaches 28-foot trolley style buses and 23-foot medium buses.

Expected outcomes

These funds will allow MST to continue to provide riders with access to essential services systemwide including access to education employment healthcare housing and recreation facilities.

Intended beneficiaries

All residents within msts service area will benefit from these funds.