Tampa Bay Transit Receives $38.6 Million Federal Boost
Tampa Bay area public transportation is set for important upgrades thanks to $38,617,390 in grants awarded by teh U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Federal Transit authority (FTA). The funding,secured wiht the support of Congress,will be distributed between Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) and the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA).
HART will receive $32,037,390 thru the “improving HART’s Service Through Reliable Fleet” project. This investment will enable the agency to replace 33 aging diesel buses with newer,Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) models. Alongside the fleet modernization, HART will expand its vocational training programs and launch a registered apprenticeship program, bolstering its workforce development initiatives.
PSTA will be awarded $6,580,000 for its “PSTA Facility emergency Power Resiliency project.” These funds will be used to replace the existing diesel generator at a PSTA facility with a new one, ensuring continued operation of electric bus charging and overall transit services during power outages, particularly during severe weather events like hurricanes.
U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) highlighted the importance of the funding, stating it will improve accessibility and affordability for residents needing transportation to work, school, medical appointments, and essential services.
HART CEO Scott Drainville expressed gratitude for Congresswoman Castor’s advocacy and the FTA’s partnership, noting the investment aligns with HART’s goals of improving service, strengthening its workforce, and transitioning to cleaner technologies. PSTA CEO Brad Miller emphasized the funds will enhance the agency’s resilience and ability to serve the community even during emergencies.
Councilman Luis Viera,Chairperson of the HART Board,lauded the grant as a significant step forward for working families,seniors,individuals with disabilities,and veterans who rely on public transit.
This latest funding builds upon recent infrastructure investments in the Tampa Bay area, including $23 million awarded to HART for its maintenance facility and $62 million allocated to Tampa International airport for its airside D project, both received in 2025.
