BY SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
HUNTSVILLE — The City of Huntsville secured a $6,098,667 federal transit grant to purchase six new low- or no-emission hybrid diesel/electric buses, marking a major investment in the modernization of the city’s growing public transportation system.
The funding, awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA), allowed the City to begin replacing older buses that had reached the end of their service life. The new additions will become the first hybrid buses in Huntsville’s fleet, signaling a significant step toward cleaner, more efficient, and more reliable transit.
“As Huntsville continued to grow, our transit system had to grow with it,” Mayor Tommy Battle said. “This grant supported our long-term plan to modernize the fleet and ensure residents had access to reliable, efficient transportation. It was a smart investment in the infrastructure that keeps our city moving.”
City officials said the new buses would be larger, cleaner, and more fuel-efficient, resulting in reduced carbon emissions and lower maintenance costs. Director of Parking and Public Transportation Quisha Bryant emphasized the immediate benefits for riders.
“We were incredibly grateful for this support from the FTA,” Bryant said. “Many in our community depend on public transportation every day. The new buses will reduce maintenance downtime and ensure our riders experience a smoother, more comfortable trip across Huntsville.”
The project had a total cost of $7,176,689, and the City approved an additional $1,078,022 in July to complete the funding package. The Low-No bus initiative was prepared for immediate implementation under an existing contract with Gillig, LLC, pending execution of the final grant agreement.
Huntsville Transit currently operates 16 buses on 12 fixed routes, serving more than 100 square miles and a population of 143,441. The City also deploys 20 peak paratransit vehicles, with overall ridership exceeding 2,500 passengers per day.
Officials said the upgraded fleet will enhance reliability, increase sustainability, and strengthen transportation access for thousands of daily riders across the Rocket City.