Obligation of FY2023 low-no allocation #D2023-lwno-41 in the amount of $1760000

The U.S. Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded the Mississippi Coast Transportation Authority (CTA), a local government transit authority, a $2,200,000 Project Grant under the Buses and Bus Facilities Formula, Competitive, and Low or No Emissions Programs (CFDA 20.526). The grant, awarded on March 27, 2025, will enable CTA to purchase seven demand response and two fixed route replacement buses that have exceeded their useful life, replacing older diesel-powered vehicles with new dual-fuel gasoline/propane buses. The expected outcomes include reduced operating costs, lower tailpipe emissions, and improved reliability and safety of CTA's fleet. This investment supports CTA's efforts to modernize its public transportation system and transition to more environmentally-friendly vehicles to better serve passengers in the Gulf Coast region of Mississippi.

Activities

In accordance with ctas tams plan there are nine (9) under 30 small cutaway buses that have exceeded their FTA useful life that are scheduled for replacement in FY2024. Eight (8) of these are diesel powered and one (1) is gasoline powered. Seven (7) demand response buses and two (2) fixed route buses will be replaced. Six demand response buses are 10YR/350000MLS FTA useful life and range in age from fourteen (14) years to sixteen (16) years old. One of the demand response buses is 7YRS/200000MLS FTA useful life and is ten (10) years old. The two fixed route buses are 10YR/350000MLS FTA useful and are fifteen (15) and sixteen (16) years old.CTA will be replacing these nine buses eight of which utilize old diesel engine technology that is not fuel efficient. The new buses will be dual fuel gas/propane that will operate predominately on propane fuel. Compared with diesel fueled buses propane autogas buses results in an estimated 80% reduction in smog-forming hydrocarbon emissions and virtually eliminates particulate matter.

Expected outcomes

Reduce operating costs reduce tailpipe emissions improve reliability and safety. Current CTA data identifies that a propane fueled bus is 60% more cost efficient for fuel cost per mile compared to a comparable diesel fueled bus. Compared with diesel fueled buses propane autogas buses results in an estimated 80% reduction in smog-forming hydrocarbon emissions and virtually eliminates particulate matter. Replacing these nine (9) buses with new buses will improve reliability and reduce road calls.

Intended beneficiaries

CTA passengers will benefit from more comfortable reliable and safer buses. The quality of the experience will greatly improve from a better quality of boarding and ride. CTA drivers and maintenance employees will benefit from new modern buses replacing old unreliable buses that have greatly exceeded their useful life.