Improve the reliability of the rural county transit agencys fleets in hawaii.transition fleets of county transit agencies fleet to low or no emission buses

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded $27.2 million through the Buses and Bus Facilities Formula, Competitive, and Low or No Emissions Programs (CFDA 20.526) to the Hawaii Department of Transportation on September 18, 2025, for a project completion date of March 20, 2030. This Project Grant funds the transition of rural county transit agency fleets across Hawaii's islands to low or no-emission buses, with sub-awards distributed to three county transit entities: the County of Hawaii Mass Transit Agency (HMTA), County of Kauai Transit Agency (CKTA), and Maui Department of Transportation (MDOT).

The deliverables include the procurement of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant battery electric buses by HMTA and CKTA, with supporting infrastructure equipment, and the purchase of ADA-compliant hybrid electric buses by MDOT. Additionally, the award funds consultant services for project management, technical services, workforce development initiatives across all three county agencies, and construction management services by CKTA. These investments are intended to improve fleet reliability and reduce emissions while benefiting transit riders on the islands of Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii.

Activities

Purchase of battery electric buses and infrastructure equipment and consultant services for project management technical services and workforce development by county of hawaii mass transit agency (HMTA) and county of kauai transit agency (CKTA). County of kauai will procure construction management services.purchase of hybrid electric buses by maui department of transportation (MDOT) and workforce development.

Expected outcomes

Assistance to further the county transit agencies of kauai maui and hawaii transition from existing buses to low or no emission buses.

Intended beneficiaries

Riders on the islands of maui kauai and hawaii.

Subrecipient activities

Purchase of ADA battery electric buses and infrastructure equipment and consultant services for project management technical services and workforce development by county of hawaii mass transit agency (HMTA) and county of kauai transit agency (CKTA). County of kauai will procure construction management services.purchase of ADA hybrid electric buses by maui department of transportation (MDOT) and workforce development.