Fund the acquisition rolling stock including new fixed-route transit buses and demand responsive paratransit and micro-transit vehicles

The Federal Transit Administration awarded Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) $1,875,403 under the Buses and Bus Facilities Formula, Competitive, and Low or No Emissions Programs (CFDA 20.526) on August 19, 2025. This formula grant funds the acquisition of rolling stock to replace aging vehicles and expand paratransit services within SORTA's public transportation network serving Hamilton, Warren, Butler, and Clermont counties in southwest Ohio.

The grant supports the procurement of 36 vehicles total: 13 fixed-route diesel replacement buses, 10 hybrid fixed-route replacement buses, 5 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) paratransit replacement vehicles, and 8 micro-transit vehicles for service expansion. These acquisitions will enhance vehicle performance and reliability, improve passenger safety through modern safety features, increase operational efficiency across various weather conditions, reduce emissions in compliance with environmental regulations, and generate long-term cost savings through reduced maintenance and operating expenses. The project completion deadline is June 30, 2029.

Purpose

The purpose of this award is to fund the acquisition rolling stock including new fixed-route transit buses and demand responsive paratransit and micro-transit vehicles. These will primarily replace older vehicles that are beyond their useful life which will support sortas public transportation network.

Activities

Sorta will be using the funds for the acquisition of:1. Thirteen (13) 40 fixed-route diesel replacement BUSES2. Ten (10) 40 hybrid fixed-route replacement buses 3. Five (5) replacement ADA paratransit VEHICLES4. Eight (8) MOD micro-transit vehicles for expansion

Expected outcomes

1.improved vehicle performance and reliability leading to better service quality for passengers.2.enhanced safety as the newer buses will be equipped with the latest safety features.3.increased efficiency in operations as modern buses can operate more effectively in various weather conditions.4.improved emissions and air quality benefits in compliance with environmental regulations.5.potential cost savings in the long run due to the reduced operating maintenance costs of new buses in comparison to older buses.

Intended beneficiaries

Residents and transit riders as well as businesses in sortas service area and employees of sorta will be beneficiaries of this award. This includes all of hamilton county and parts of warren butler and clermont counties in southwest ohio.