Housatonic area regional transit requests $1217794 in FY 2024 FTA section 5307 urbanized area program funds for operating and capital expenditures

The Federal Transit Administration awarded Housatonic Area Regional Transit District (Hart) $2,093,588 on January 28, 2026, under the Federal Transit Formula Grants program (CFDA 20.507) to fund operating and capital activities in the greater Danbury, Connecticut urbanized area through December 31, 2027.

Hart will deploy funding for continued operation of the Sweethart dial-a-ride service, including wages and salaries for drivers, schedulers, and supervisors serving seniors and passengers with disabilities. Capital expenditures cover replacement of a 17-year-old mobile column portable bus lift and a 30-year-old bus wash system (including gantry, brushes, blowers, pump, reclamation system, and associated plumbing and electrical upgrades); both assets are beyond useful life and rely on parts no longer in production. The obligated amount is $2,093,588. No subrecipients are involved in this award.

Over 80 percent of Hart riders use the service for employment access, with a significant portion depending on transit for all transportation needs. The award supports continued and more efficient operation of public bus services while maintaining cleanliness and upkeep of revenue vehicles serving the Danbury region.

Activities

Activities to be performed include continued operation of local dial-a-ride service including wages and salaries of drivers schedulers and supervisors. Replacement of a 17-year old mobile column portable bus lift. Replacement of 30-year old bus wash including gantry brushes blowers pump and reclamation system including necessary plumbing and electrical upgrades. Both the portable bus lift and bus wash are beyond useful life and continued maintenance relies on parts no longer in production.

Expected outcomes

Continued and more efficient operation of public bus services in the greater danbury CT region meeting the needs specifically of seniors and passengers with disabilities. Continued cleanliness and maintenance of revenue vehicles.

Intended beneficiaries

Over 80% of hart riders use the service for access to employment. A significant portion of the ridership uses the bus service for all their transportation needs. Transit services support economic benefits reduce accidents and reduce congestion so positively impact non-transit riders.