Federal Grant Award Summary

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded $278,094 in formula grant funding under the Buses and Bus Facilities Formula, Competitive, and Low or No Emissions Programs (CFDA 20.526) to the Lakeland Area Mass Transit District (LAMTD), operating as Citrus Connection, on February 23, 2026. This award funds the replacement and upgrade of LAMTD's legacy Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) infrastructure, specifically including Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) Automated Passenger Counter Systems (APCS) fare collection systems and Next Bus technology platforms. The funding is designated for capital improvements to modernize the agency's transit operations technology within the Lakeland, Florida urbanized area, with an ultimate completion date of March 30, 2031.

The grant supports LAMTD's technology modernization initiative to enhance operational efficiency and passenger service delivery through updated fare collection capabilities and real-time transit information systems. As a formula grant program award, the funding is allocated through statutory formulas to this eligible fixed-route bus service operator and must be obligated within four years of appropriation. LAMTD, as the direct recipient, is responsible for executing the grant agreement and managing project implementation in compliance with FTA procurement policies and suspension and debarment requirements.