Metro awarded $50.3 million federal grant to support bus fleet modernization

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) today announced it has awarded Metro $50,322,380 through the FY 2025 Low or No-Emission Grant Program to support the agency’s ongoing bus fleet modernization efforts.

The funding will help Metro procure 50 new 40-foot diesel-electric hybrid buses, replacing aging vehicles that have exceeded their useful life. The new buses will be deployed throughout the region and will enhance Metro’s ability to provide safe, efficient, and reliable service for riders.

“This federal investment allows Metro to continue modernizing our fleet and delivering better, more dependable bus service across the region,” said Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke. “Replacing older buses with new hybrid vehicles means improved reliability for customers, lower emissions for our community, and continued progress toward a more efficient transportation system.”

The award reflects the strong regional and federal partnership supporting Metro’s long-term vision.

“Investing in cleaner, newer buses strengthens the entire region,” Metro Board Chair Valerie Santos said. “This funding helps ensure Metro can continue providing safe, high-quality service while advancing efficiency and supporting the mobility needs of our growing region.”

The FTA’s Low or No-Emission and Buses and Bus Facilities programs support transit agencies nationwide in upgrading and expanding bus fleets, improving safety, reducing traffic congestion, and creating good-paying jobs. This latest award will help modernize America’s bus infrastructure and ensure more efficient, affordable travel options for the National Capital Region.

About Metro

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), known as Metro, is the region’s leading public transportation provider, serving a population of approximately four million people across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia within a 2,054-square-mile jurisdiction. With a network of six rail lines, 98 stations, 125 bus routes, and a door-to-door paratransit service, Metro is the second busiest transit system in the United States with a $5 billion operating and capital budget. Since 2022, Metro has completed multiple transit-oriented development projects that have brought $15 million in tax revenue to the region from housing, office, and retail space in our community. Safety and security are Metro’s core values. Over 30,000 cameras monitor the system, and Metro is currently at an 8-year crime low with fare evasion down 82%. In 2025, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) named Metro the Transit Agency of the Year in recognition of industry-leading ridership growth, record high customer satisfaction, a newly redesigned bus network, expanded rail service, and improved customer experience.