To maintain the nice operation in a state of good repair

Nassau County was awarded $38.25 million through the Federal Transit Administration's Federal Transit Formula Grants program (CFDA 20.507) on September 8, 2025, with an ultimate completion date of April 30, 2029. The award supports the maintenance and improvement of the Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE) transit system, which serves Nassau County, western Suffolk County, and provides commuter service to train stations in eastern Queens County. Specifically, the grant funds the replacement and upgrade of fixed-route and paratransit vehicles and facilities to maintain the transit operation in a state of good repair and ensure the system meets the needs of its ridership.

The activities funded under this formula grant are capital in nature, focusing on preventive maintenance and asset modernization rather than operating expenses. By replacing and upgrading NICE's vehicle fleet and transit facilities, Nassau County will enhance system reliability and accessibility for the primary beneficiaries—the transit system's riders. No subrecipient activities are associated with this award, with funding obligated directly to the awardee. This award exemplifies the Federal Transit Administration's commitment to supporting local and regional transit agencies in maintaining and improving existing public transportation systems in urbanized areas.

Activities

Replacement and upgrade of the nice fixed route/paratransit vehicles and facilities

Expected outcomes

A transit operation that meets the needs of the system

Intended beneficiaries

The ridership of the nice transit system that serves primarily nassau county strategic points in western suffolk county and commuter service to the train stations in eastern queens county.