Fund the acquisition of rolling stock including new hybrid/electric and battery electric (BEB) buses complementary paratransit vehicles as well as new mobility on demand metronow vehicles

The Federal Transit Administration awarded the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) $16.725 million on July 27, 2026, under the Federal Transit Formula Grants program (CFDA 20.507) to acquire rolling stock for its public transportation network serving the Cincinnati metropolitan area.

SORTA will use the funds to purchase fixed-route hybrid/electric replacement buses, fixed-route battery electric (BEB) buses, ADA-compliant paratransit replacement vehicles, and mobility-on-demand MetroNow vehicles. Most acquisitions replace older vehicles beyond their useful life; the MetroNow vehicles represent fleet expansion. The award supports SORTA's service area spanning Hamilton County and portions of Warren, Butler, and Clermont counties in southwest Ohio.

The obligated amount is $16.725 million with a period of performance through December 31, 2030. Expected outcomes include improved vehicle performance and reliability, enhanced safety through modern bus features, increased operational efficiency across weather conditions, reduced emissions and improved air quality in compliance with environmental regulations, and potential long-term cost savings from lower maintenance and operating expenses on new equipment compared to aging fleet vehicles.

Assistance type is formula grant. No sub-recipients are identified in the award.

Purpose

The purpose of this award is to fund the acquisition of rolling stock including new hybrid/electric and battery electric (BEB) buses complementary paratransit vehicles as well as new mobility on demand metronow vehicles. These will primarily replace older vehicles that are beyond their useful life (with the exception of metronow vehicles which will be an expansion) which will support sortas public transportation network.

Activities

Sorta will be using the funds for the acquisition of:1.fixed-route hybrid/electric replacement BUSES2.fixed-route battery electric BEB BUSES3.ADA complementary paratransit replacement VEHICLES4. Mobility on demand metronow vehicles

Expected outcomes

1.improved vehicle performance and reliability leading to better service quality for passengers. 2. Enhanced safety as the new 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.