Apply for funding to purchase compressed natural gas (CNG) for replacement

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded $21.7 million to the City of Fresno, operating as Fresno Area Express (FAX), under the Buses and Bus Facilities Formula, Competitive, and Low or No Emissions Programs (CFDA 20.526) on July 31, 2025. The award will fund the procurement of new compressed natural gas (CNG) buses to replace aging, end-of-life vehicles in FAX's transit fleet. These replacement buses represent the federally eligible portion of the CNG bus purchase expenses and are expected to be operational by the project completion date of October 30, 2026.

The project directly delivers enhanced public transportation services to the Fresno area by modernizing the transit fleet with more reliable and fuel-efficient vehicles. The new CNG buses will reduce maintenance costs, minimize service downtime and interruptions, and improve overall operational efficiency through implementation of a preventative maintenance program. All residents in the FAX service area will benefit from increased service reliability and improved rider satisfaction, positioning Fresno's public transportation system as a model of operational efficiency in the Central Valley region. No federal subrecipients are involved in this award.

Purpose

The purpose of this award is to apply for funding to purchase compressed natural gas (CNG) for replacement. This initiative aims to enhance service reliability in the central valley benefiting the community with more efficient public transportation.

Activities

The funds will be used to cover the federally eligible portion of the compressed natural gas (CNG) replacement bus purchase expenses. These new CNG buses will replace the older aging CNG buses that are beyond their useful life. By the end of this project the goal is to have a more efficient reliable and dependable fleet of buses. This will significantly enhance public transportation services in the central valley ensuring overall service reliability.bus procurement: acquire new compressed natural gas (CNG) buses to replace the aging buses.

Expected outcomes

Enhanced service reliability: the new fleet of cngs will provide more reliable public transportation services reducing downtime and service interruptions.operational efficiency: preventative maintenance program will ensure smooth and efficient operations.community benefits: the overall improvements in the public transportation system will lead to increased rider satisfaction. This initiative aims to transform fresnos public transportation making IT a model of efficiency.

Intended beneficiaries

The intended beneficiaries of the proposed CNG bus purchase include all riders in the fresno area express (FAX) service area. FAX will realize reduced maintenance expenses by replacing end-of-life vehicles while all residents of the region will enjoy improved transit service. This project ultimately benefits the entire community by providing more efficient and reliable public transportation system.

Subrecipient activities

None - FAX does not have federal subrecipients