Transitioning to CNG is a broader conroe connection transits strategy to modernize fleets improve reliability and align with sustainability goals for environmental benefits and cost efficiency

The Federal Transit Administration awarded the City of Conroe $4.5 million on June 2, 2026, under the Buses and Bus Facilities Formula, Competitive, and Low or No Emissions Programs (CFDA 20.526) to procure four 45-foot compressed natural gas over-the-road coaches for commuter bus service.

The City of Conroe will purchase the CNG buses to replace diesel motor coaches currently operated by First Class Tours, a third-party transit operator serving the Conroe Connection Transit commuter service. Each vehicle will accommodate 50 to 56 ambulatory passengers plus two wheelchair positions with full Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility, be capable of maintaining speeds up to 70 miles per hour for extended distances between stops, and be manufactured and tested for public transit use. The deployment will allow the transit system to offer CNG service on all fixed routes and expand fixed-route service capacity while reducing operational costs and improving air quality across Conroe and outlying areas.

The award period extends from June 2, 2026, through May 20, 2029, with place of performance in Texas. The Buses and Bus Facilities program provides capital funding through formula, competitive, and low or no emissions tracks to replace, rehabilitate, purchase, or lease buses and bus-related equipment and facilities; this award funds low or no emissions bus procurement supporting the City of Conroe's broader fleet modernization and sustainability strategy.

Activities

The city of conroe will procure four (4) forty-five (45) foot compressed natural gas (CNG) over the road coaches for the use of their commuter bus service. These vehicles shall be capable of extended daily use and be manufactured and tested for public transit use able to maintain speeds up to 70 MPH for relatively long distances between stops. The vehicle shall have seating for fifty (50) to fifty-six (56) ambulatory passengers with two (2) wheelchair positions and american with disability act (ADA) accessibility. The purchase will not be replacing any CCT existing fleet. The vehicles will be used by first class tours (FCT) third-party transit operator in place of the third-party transit operators D4500 diesel motor coaches for the commuter bus service.

Expected outcomes

Since its inception CCT has been successfully connecting communities and bridging gaps in public transportation. CCT strives to be a successful effective partners in the region pursuit of seamless transit services capable of providing effective mobility for current and future transit riders who typically represent the most economically vulnerable populace of the region. CCT will improve route efficiency and air quality and will offer CNG service on all fixed routes. This deployment will also allow CCT to expand fixed-route service with additional buses.

Intended beneficiaries

The citizens of conroe and outlying areas who need access to commuter services. According to the U.S. Census bureaus american community survey in 2021 conroe had a total population of 94400 with a median age of 33 and a median household income of $61997. In the past 5 years conroes population grew 18% and median household income grew 9%.