TIGER grant to replace 300 buses in rural Texas

The U.S. Department of Transportation recently awarded a $20.8 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program grant to be used to replace unreliable vans and buses in rural communities throughout Texas.

The grant will be dedicated to replacing over 300 unreliable public vehicles throughout Texas, which has the largest rural population in the U.S.

In addition, the funds will finance the construction of four new facilities to maintain the new vehicles. These facilities will also make it simpler for commuters to use public transportation.

“Our rural residents rely on these transportation services to commute between jobs, school, doctor’s appointments and other destinations that help them maintain their independence while also contributing to the economy,” Texas Department of Transportation Executive Director Joe Weber said. “Without this funding, more than 70 percent of the rural transit fleet used for such services would be outdated by 2017.”

The TIGER program has financed a variety of transportation projects in rural communities, cities and other regions.