This project provides operating assistance and preventive maintenance for public transit services for the merced county regional transit system

The Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration awarded $8.1 million to the Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced on August 28, 2026, under the Federal Transit Formula Grants program (CFDA 20.507) to provide operating assistance and preventive maintenance for the Merced County Regional Transit System through October 30, 2027.

Funding supports daily transit operations including labor, fuel, and administrative expenses, along with preventive maintenance activities—routine inspections, servicing, and repairs to transit vehicles and equipment—to maintain a state of good repair. The award will sustain transit service levels, improve vehicle reliability, reduce service interruptions, and extend the useful life of transit assets while ensuring continued access to safe and reliable public transportation for residents of Merced County and surrounding communities. The transit system serves commuters traveling to work and school, individuals accessing healthcare services, seniors, people with disabilities, and others participating in community activities and essential services.

Performance occurs in California. No sub-recipients are involved in this award.

Activities

Funds will support daily transit operations including labor fuel and administrative expenses. Preventive maintenance activities will include routine inspections servicing and repairs to transit vehicles and equipment to maintain a state of good repair.

Expected outcomes

Expected outcomes include sustained transit service levels improved vehicle reliability reduced service interruptions and extended useful life of transit assets. The project will ensure continued access to safe and reliable public transportation while maintaining vehicles in a state of good repair. These services will support mobility by connecting passengers to employment education healthcare shopping and community activities.

Intended beneficiaries

The intended beneficiaries of this project are the residents of merced county and surrounding communities who rely on public transit for daily travel. This includes commuters traveling to work and school individuals accessing healthcare services seniors people with disabilities and others who use transit to participate in community activities shopping and other essential services.