Purchase approximately four (4) heavy-duty buses and four (4) onboard digital HD surveillance systems for the four buses being purchased

The Federal Transit Administration awarded Valley Transit $4.453 million under the Federal Transit Formula Grants program (CFDA 20.507) on August 27, 2026, to purchase approximately four heavy-duty buses and four onboard digital HD surveillance systems for fixed-route service operations.

Valley Transit, a municipal transit authority serving Walla Walla and College Place, Washington, will deploy the funded vehicles to continue providing safe, well-maintained transit service while meeting hybrid fleet standards that maintain at least 25 percent diesel vehicles for operational resilience during community emergencies and evacuations. The surveillance systems will enhance onboard safety and security. Valley Transit prioritizes American-made vehicles and equipment in compliance with Buy America standards.

The grant obligates $4.453 million with a period of performance through March 31, 2029. Place of performance is Washington. No sub-recipients are involved. The award directly benefits residents of Walla Walla, College Place, and surrounding areas through reduced emissions via trip sharing on fixed routes and improved access to jobs, education, healthcare, and recreation.

Purpose

The purpose of this grant is to purchase approximately four (4) heavy-duty buses and four (4) onboard digital HD surveillance systems for the four buses being purchased.

Activities

Provide funding for the purchase of approximately four (4) heavy-duty buses for fixed route services.

Expected outcomes

Valley transit will continue to provide safe well-maintained vehicles for fixed-route service while meeting the hybrid fleet standards identified in its transition plan maintaining at least 25% diesel vehicles to ensure operational resilience during community emergencies and evacuations.

Intended beneficiaries

Residents of walla walla college place and surrounding areas will directly benefit from reduced emissions through trip sharing on fixed routes. This service promotes healthy families by providing safe reliable and affordable transportation that connects residents to jobs education healthcare and recreation. Valley transit also supports local and national economic vitality by prioritizing the purchase of american-made vehicles equipment and materials aligning with federal buy america standards and reinforcing long-term community resilience.