Fund the construction of the new north transit center and purchase electric buses for the baton rouge plank/nicholson bus rapid transit (BRT) project

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded Capital Area Transit System (CATS) a $5.0M formula grant on November 25, 2025, under the Federal Transit Formula Grants program (CFDA 20.507). The award funds the construction of the North Transit Center and the purchase of electric buses to support the Baton Rouge Plank/Nicholson Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. These capital investments will enable CATS to implement and operate enhanced BRT service for Baton Rouge residents and visitors, with project completion targeted for December 31, 2026.

This award represents CATS' participation in the Urbanized Area Formula Funding Program, which provides federal resources to local transit authorities for capital improvements and system enhancements in urbanized areas. The formula grant mechanism allocates funds annually to designated urbanized areas, enabling transit agencies to develop new systems and improve existing infrastructure. CATS will execute the grant agreement to access the obligated federal funds and implement the transit center construction and electric bus procurement activities with no subrecipient involvement.

Purpose

The purpose of this award is to fund the construction of the new north transit center and purchase electric buses for the baton rouge plank/nicholson bus rapid transit (BRT) project.

Activities

Construction of the north transit center and purchase of buses.

Expected outcomes

Implementation and operating of the baton rouge plank/nicholson BRT service.

Intended beneficiaries

The residents and visitors of baton rouge LA.