U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that the City of Billings has been awarded a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) grant of $1,360,000 to purchase at least five refurbished buses for MET Transit and replace aging buses.
“Billings MET transit provides over half a million rides a year,” Daines said. “Many of those riders are elderly, disabled, or low-income and rely solely on public transportation. I’m glad to have supported this grant request and am pleased that this money will be used to benefit the people of Billings.”
“MET Transit sought letters of support from the community, local transportation agencies, and the Congressional delegation, including Senator Daines. Their support made this grant possible. A hearty thank you to all who helped,” City of Billings Aviation and Transit Director William Cole said.
On August 6, 2018, Daines sent a letter of support for the grant application to Mark Bathrick, Program Manager for the Federal Transit Administration.
Background:
Billings MET anticipates that 16 of their buses will have reached the end of their service life by 2019. With the five refurbished buses, Billings MET will be able to provide a more reliable system for riders and expand into underserved areas. The money for the buses will come from the DOT’s Buses and Bus Facilities Infrastructure Investment Program.
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