PAT proposes to deploy 2 (two) 35-FT zero-emission electric buses and purchase 7 paratransit buses to improve sustainable and accessible transportation services

The City of Port Arthur received a $2.397 million Formula Grant award from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) under the Federal Transit Formula Grants program (CFDA 20.507) on September 19, 2025, with an expected completion date of June 22, 2028. The award funds the procurement and deployment of two 35-foot zero-emission battery electric buses (BEBs) and seven paratransit vehicles to enhance sustainable and accessible transportation services. Port Arthur Transit will execute a comprehensive procurement process that includes vehicle specification development, competitive solicitations, contract execution, installation of charging infrastructure, receipt and inspection of vehicles, and integration of the new fleet into existing fixed-route and paratransit service schedules.

Upon full implementation, the project is expected to improve route efficiency and air quality by replacing aging diesel fleet vehicles with electric buses, enabling Port Arthur Transit to offer predominantly electric service on all fixed routes while continuing to operate and expand paratransit services for seniors and individuals with disabilities. The initiative is designed to benefit transit-dependent residents, low-income households, students, commuters, and other vulnerable populations by increasing service reliability, accessibility, and coverage throughout the Port Arthur service area. Community outreach activities will communicate the environmental and accessibility benefits of the new zero-emission and paratransit vehicles to local stakeholders.

Activities

Port arthur transit (PAT) will follow a comprehensive procurement process including developing specifications issuing solicitations and executing contracts for the purchase of two electric buses associated charging infrastructure and seven paratransit vehicles. Infrastructure preparation will be completed to support the deployment of the new vehicles. Upon delivery PAT will receive inspect and test the electric and paratransit buses to ensure they meet all safety and performance standards. The vehicles will then be integrated into fixed-route and paratransit service schedules to improve service reliability and coverage. Additionally PAT will inform the community about the new zero-emission and paratransit vehicles highlighting their environmental and accessibility benefits.

Expected outcomes

By replacing two aging fleet vehicles with battery electric buses (bebs) to supplement the bebs that PAT is currently operating PAT will improve route efficiency and air quality and will offer mostly electric service on all fixed routes with the exception of occasional operations of diesel cutaway vehicles. PAT will continue to operate existing service with new paratransit vehicles.

Intended beneficiaries

Intended beneficiaries:the intended beneficiaries of the improvements in port arthur transit include: transit-dependent residents or individuals who rely on public transportation as their primary means of travel seniors and individuals with disabilities particularly those using paratransit services for essential trips commuters and local workers benefiting from more reliable and efficient fixed-route services students who depend on transit to access schools colleges and training centers low-income households gaining improved access to jobs healthcare shopping and other essential services. In these efforts the entire community through reduced air pollution quieter streets and support for local sustainability goals will benefit.finally the procurement of fixed-route and paratransit vehicles will increase bus reliability while promoting timeliness comfort and accessibility. Replacement will allow PAT to reduce service interruptions increase service performance and reduce the costs of maintaining the outdated vehicles.