Provide capital and operating funding for ocalas fixed-route bus service and complimentary ADA services suntran

The Federal Transit Administration awarded the City of Ocala $6.531 million under the Federal Transit Formula Grants program (CFDA 20.507) on August 13, 2026, to fund capital and operating expenses for Ocala's SUNTRAN fixed-route bus service and complimentary ADA paratransit services.

The funding supports rebuilding two 35-foot bus engines, transmissions, and associated mechanical components; purchasing shop equipment; acquiring software and hardware for a mobile fares and payment system; procuring spare parts and rehabilitating bus components; funding bus repair and maintenance; covering capital contracting costs to maintain system quality; providing ADA paratransit operating assistance; covering general operating expenses for SUNTRAN; and allocating resources for program planning compliance including Title VI activities, DBE plan updates, and transit development plan major updates. The award will permit necessary capital improvements to the bus fleet, maintain planning compliance, support ADA paratransit services, deliver updated fare payment options, and sustain ongoing system operations. Citizens of Ocala and Marion County who utilize bus services are the intended beneficiaries.

The period of performance runs through March 30, 2033. Performance occurs in Florida. No sub-recipients are identified for this award. The assistance type is a formula grant.

Purpose

The purpose of this award is to provide capital and operating funding for ocalas fixed-route bus service and complimentary ADA services suntran.

Activities

The funding will cover capital and operating expenses for the provision of suntran fixed-route service. This grant will cover: (1) rebuilding two 35 bus engines transmissions and mechanical-related items; (2); funding to cover the capital cost of contracting to ensure that suntran continues to be maintained at a level necessary to operate a high-quality system for our riders; (3) ADA paratransit service and operating assistance so that we may continue to serve the riding public; (4) the purchase of shop equipment; (5) purchase of software/hardware for mobile fares and payment system; (6) operating expenses to support the function of the suntran system; (7) acquisition of spare parts and rehabilitation of bus components; (7) additional funds for bus repair and maintenance; (8) allocation for program planning for title VI activities DBE plan updates and TDP major update.

Expected outcomes

Funding will permit suntran to make necessary capital improvements to its bus fleet; maintain program planning compliance; cover the capital cost of contracting and ADA paratransit services; provide updated fare payment options; and fund operating expenses.

Intended beneficiaries

The citizens of ocala / marion county who utilize the bus services will benefit from the improvements and funding to continue the operation of the buses.