Support multiple metro transit (MT) and metropolitan transportation services (MTS) projects including: MTS capital cost of contracting MT and MTS fleet purchases light rail replacement light rail…

Metropolitan Council Minnesota received a $30.5 million Federal Transit Formula Grant (CFDA 20.507) from the Federal Transit Administration, awarded on September 12, 2025, with a completion date of March 31, 2030. The funding supports capital and operating assistance for Metro Transit (MT) and Metropolitan Transportation Services (MTS) projects serving the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan region. Primary products and services delivered through this award include the purchase of buses for fleet expansion and replacement, light rail vehicle procurement and overhaul, commuter rail facility improvements and track connections, light rail facility renovation and expansion, annual tire lease programs, rail safety and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility improvements, and facility maintenance and corrosion mitigation activities.

The grant directly benefits transit riders throughout the region by enhancing service reliability, improving accessibility and safety, and extending the useful life of transit assets. Facility rehabilitation and fleet modernization activities support efficient operations while reducing long-term operating costs. The funding enables Metro Transit and MTS to maintain vehicles and infrastructure in a state of good repair, thereby contributing to more reliable bus, light rail, and commuter rail service across the Twin Cities region. The University of Minnesota is identified as a sub-awardee providing support related to bus-related activities, though specific details regarding the nature of that support are limited in the documentation.

Purpose

The purpose of this award is to support multiple metro transit (MT) and metropolitan transportation services (MTS) projects including: MTS capital cost of contracting MT and MTS fleet purchases light rail replacement light rail equipment commuter rail overhaul and connection track light rail facilities renovation and expansion commuter rail facility improvements rail ADA and safety improvements bus tire lease sign replacements light rail vehicle overhaul and corrosion mitigation.

Activities

Funding will be used to perform several activities including: purchasing buses for the metropolitan transportation services (MTS) and metro transit (MT) fleet and supplementing the cost of contracting with other agencies to provide service the annual tire lease rail vehicle overhauls rail facility renovation and expansion replacing signs and corrosion mitigation.

Expected outcomes

The facility projects support efficient operations at metro transit facilities. Benefits to replacing fleet and maintaining the tire lease include more reliable bus service as well as improved public image through replacement of older vehicles and tires. Benefits to rail vehicle and track overhauls include more reliable rail service. The ADA and safety improvements support equity and accessibility initiatives and provide a safe experience for the public.

Intended beneficiaries

The funding in this grant will allow metro transit and metropolitan transportation service to properly maintain its fleet thus contributing to the useful life of metro transit buses and to the reliable bus service throughout the region. Rehab and/or renovation of metro transit facilities will keep support facilities in a state of good repair and functionality and will also save on operating costs. Transit riders will benefit from improved safety accessibility and reliability of service of bus light rail and commuter rail transit service.

Subrecipient activities

University of minnesota for bus purchases.