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FTA 36-03
Contact: Kristi Clemens
Friday, September 26, 2003
Tel.: (202) 366-4040
U.S. Transportation Secretary Mineta Announces $14.9 Million for Expanded Bus Service and Transit Enhancements in Six Florida Communities
Transit passengers in Tallahassee, Clearwater,
Miami, Ocala, Tampa and Gainesville will benefit from expanded bus service and
transit facility enhancements as a result of six grants totaling $14.9 million
announced today by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta.
“The Bush Administration is committed to improving the transportation
infrastructure for the benefit of Florida residents,” said Secretary Mineta.
“We understand the importance of these projects not only to the quality of life
for area residents, but also to the economy. These grants are an investment in
Florida’s future.”
Grants totaling $14,985,360 will support the following bus and transit
enhancements:
* A $1,229,598 grant to the city of Tallahassee for the replacement of five
35-foot buses for the city’s fixed-route bus fleet.
* A $4,131,450 grant to the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority to buy 10
additional commuter coaches for its fixed-route fleet. The commuter coaches
will be used by commuters traveling between Pinellas County and Hillsborough
County.
* A $2,951,036 grant to the Miami-Dade Transit Agency to buy 10 new replacement
buses.
* A $1,400,759 grant to the city of Ocala to build a new SunTran administrative
and maintenance facility, and buy maintenance equipment and two 30-foot buses.
SunTran is operated by the city of Ocala with the Ocala/Marion County
Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Florida Department of Transportation.
* A $3,541,243 grant to the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority to buy
four 40-foot diesel buses, two under-30-foot buses and six vans to replace
vehicles in the fixed-route and paratransit fleet. Some of the funds also will
be used to buy 19 vans for the agency’s vanpool fleet, maintenance items and to
continue the agency’s bus tracking and communications project.
* A $1,731,274 grant to the city of Gainesville to buy seven replacement 40-foot
diesel buses to upgrade the City’s Regional Transit System’s fixed-route fleet.
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