Manchester transit authority (MTA) is seeking federal funding to support the development of the first transit center for manchester NH

The Federal Transit Administration awarded Manchester Transit Authority $24,903,615 on July 16, 2026, under the Buses and Bus Facilities Formula, Competitive, and Low or No Emissions Programs (CFDA 20.526) to fund construction of Manchester's first transit center.

The project consists of three construction phases. Phase 1 includes installation of erosion control and stormwater best management practices, demolition of the existing administration building and paved parking areas, and relocation of utilities within the construction footprint. Existing vehicle maintenance facilities will remain operational throughout construction, with administrative staff relocated to temporary office space. Phase 2 involves rough grading, new utility installation, and installation of structure foundations and vertical building elements. Phase 3 encompasses completion of the building structure, installation of covered bus bay structures, final site grading, pavement structures, and final surface features within the plaza.

Manchester Transit Authority operates fixed-route, complementary ADA paratransit, and shuttle circulator services across five municipalities in the Greater Manchester region: Manchester, Derry, Londonderry, Salem, and Hampstead. The transit center is positioned to catalyze transit-oriented development and support planned service expansions serving a rapidly expanding population with high percentages of disadvantaged, low-income, minority, and disabled residents. The facility will provide critical operational support for the anticipated Nashua-Manchester passenger rail project led by the New Hampshire Department of Transportation.

Period of performance extends from July 16, 2026, through July 1, 2028. Work is performed in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Activities

Phase 1 of construction work will include the installation of erosion control best management practices demolition of the existing administration building and the paved parking areas. Utilities located within the footprint of the proposed improvements will be relocated. Existing vehicle maintenance facilities will remain functional during all phases and administrative staff will be relocated to temporary office space during construction. Phase 2 of construction work will include rough grading of the property installation of new utilities installation of structure foundations and vertical building elements. Phase 3 of construction will include completion of the building structure installation of the covered bus BAY structures final grading of the site pavement structures and final surface features within the plaza.

Expected outcomes

The development of mtas first transit center will have positive effects for the city and region. The transit center will also enhance the safety and security of passengers by providing a secure climate-controlled facility critical for a region experiencing more than 60 of annual snowfall and below freezing average temperatures 33% of the year.

Intended beneficiaries

MTA serves as a critical provider in meeting community mobility needs including the elderly the physically disabled and others for whom operating a vehicle is not feasible. The facility will provide increased mobility choices and enhanced safety with improved ADA accessibility and bicycle/pedestrian connectivity while limiting passenger conflicts with fleet and service vehicles.