What’s happening?
The RTC gave staff the go-ahead to seek more than $52 million from two competitive grant programs operated by the Federal Transit Administration. Staff will seek approval from the NCTCOG’s executive board before submitting the application April 25.
If awarded, the money would be used to purchase up to 59 electric buses in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to a staff presentation. Grant awards are expected to be announced in July.
Remember this?
Dallas-Fort Worth is slated to host nine World Cup matches, including a semifinal, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. After the match schedule was announced Feb. 4, local officials commented on the collaboration that went into cinching the matches for AT&T Stadium.
The details
The project proposes the purchase of 50 electric buses and 11 electric charging stations for use during the world cup. After the world cup, the vehicles would be transitioned to regional transit agencies in the DFW area to replace fleet vehicles.
Nine electric buses and one electric charging station would be purchased for Trinity Metro as part of the program. Trinity Metro is providing more than $2.8 million in local match funds as a partner on the program, according to the presentation.
Zooming out
The FTA released a joint notice of funding opportunity for two grant programs meant to support state and local efforts to improve bus facilities and modernize bus fleets. The NCTCOG plans to apply for both grant programs, but funds will only be awarded under one program, if its application is selected.
The total project cost is estimated to be nearly $55.5 million.
