Provide funding for the purchase of 5 propane revenue vehicles the purchase and installation of propane fueling infrastructure and to expand the current parking lot at bcrtas hamilton facility to…

The Federal Transit Administration awarded Butler County Regional Transit Authority $1,350,255 on January 22, 2026, under the Buses and Bus Facilities Formula, Competitive, and Low or No Emissions Programs (CFDA 20.526) for capital projects advancing alternative fuel transit operations.

BCRTA will purchase five propane revenue vehicles and install propane fueling infrastructure at its Hamilton facility, including fuel island equipment, installation, and vehicle-mounted equipment required for revenue service. The recipient will expand the parking lot at the Hamilton facility to accommodate the fueling infrastructure, parking, maintenance, and security of the City of Middletown's commuter coaches. Work includes land clearing, grading, drainage preparation, sub-base compaction, paving, curbs, seal coating, and parking space markings. BCRTA will also construct a driver training pad at the facility.

Eligible and allowable costs for the capital projects are covered, including the propane vehicle acquisition, equipment costs and installation fees, fuel infrastructure procurement and installation, and all parking lot expansion construction activities.

Place of performance is Ohio, with work concentrated at the Hamilton facility. Ultimate completion is December 31, 2026. The project transitions BCRTA toward cleaner, low-emission alternative-fueled vehicles, preserves transit assets, enhances staff workforce development in a controlled training environment, and improves service reliability for both riders and operational staff.

Purpose

The purpose of this award is to provide funding for the purchase of 5 propane revenue vehicles the purchase and installation of propane fueling infrastructure and to expand the current parking lot at bcrtas hamilton facility to allow for the addition of the propane fueling infrastructure the storage maintenance and security of the city of middletowns commuter coaches and the addition of a driver training pad.

Activities

Funds will be used to cover all eligible and allowable costs related to the capital projects. The propane vehicle and infrastructure projects expenses will include items such as the cost of the revenue vehicles and the cost and installation of needed equipment for the vehicle to perform revenue service propane fuel island equipment costs and installation fees and related expenses. Parking lot expansion expenses will involve construction-related activities including clearing and grading the land ensuring proper drainage and preparing a stable sub-base with compacted gravel or crushed stone. Paving and curbs will also be included followed by the application of seal coating and parking space and other needed markings.

Expected outcomes

Funding will allow bcrta to move forward in its transition towards alternative fuels preserve assets enhance safety allow bcrta to enhance its workforce in a controlled training environment support our vehicles state of good repair enable bcrta to make progress in transitioning to cleaner low-emission vehicles and help to improve the perception of public transit in butler county by providing clean safe reliable alternative fueled public transportation.

Intended beneficiaries

Beneficiaries of this project include both riders and staff. For riders the improvements enhance service reliability by ensuring that commuter coaches are properly maintained and securely stored and by adding new vehicles bcrta will be able to put more service on the road to meet demand. Staff will benefit from a safer work environment and the ability to receive hands-on instruction in a controlled setting.