FTA 04-05
Contact: Melissa Sabatine
Tel.: (202) 366-4043
Tuesday, February 01, 2005

U.S. Department of Transportation Invests $6.9 Million For New Depot & Improved Bus Service in Arizona

Tucson area commuters, including those with disabilities, will soon benefit from a $6.9 million grant that will fund new buses and a new downtown deport station, Federal Transit Administrator Jennifer L. Dorn announced today.

“Today’s investment means more options for Tucson commuters,” said Administrator Dorn. “The Bush Administration understands that transit works when it connects everybody to jobs, stores, and vital service.

The city of Tucson will use the $6,893,201 grant to buy 13 low-floor replacement buses. Each bus will be equipped with at least two wheel chair tie downs, an automatic vehicle locator system, a mobile data terminal, and security video recorders.

The grant also will fund continued construction of the downtown Intermodal Center, which is in the heart of the Tucson Arts District. The site is east of Interstate 10 and north of Congress Street. The Congress Street frontage will be developed with retail and commercial facilities.

The project will connect bus riders to streetcars, car rental and shuttle services expected to operate out of the new deport. The station will connect to Tucson Inner-City Express – free intercity shuttle service and CAT Tran – University of Arizona shuttle service.

The funds announced today are part of the FTA’s capital investment program that provides financial assistance for transit agencies to purchase new vehicles and construct new facilities.