Johnson County Transit will receive $7.65 million in federal funding to buy up to 12 new energy-efficient buses. The new buses will replace diesel-powered vehicles that have exceeded their useful life. Not only will these new buses improve efficiency but also will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.

Johnson County Transit currently has 27 buses that have exceeded the Federal Transit Administration’s service-life policy. The county’s oldest buses in this category are from 2006.

Funds are being distributed by the Federal Transit Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation, under the FY 2024 Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program. Johnson County Transit is the only grant recipient in Kansas of the 117 projects announced nationwide.

The funding was announced Tuesday at an event at the Overland Park Farmers’ Market.

"I'm thrilled that Johnson County has received new federal resources to replace existing buses with energy-efficient models. This investment, made possible by the bipartisan infrastructure law I proudly voted for, will make getting around safer and more eco-friendly,” said U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, KS-03. “With our community growing and the upcoming World Cup, this upgrade is crucial for increasing transit options, reducing future maintenance costs and creating good-paying jobs right here at home."

“We are pleased to provide federal support to Johnson County Transit to buy new energy-efficient propane and compressed natural gas buses to replace the old diesel-powered vehicles, to provide people here with cleaner, greener buses, and reduce the environmental footprint,” said William Kalt, Federal Transit Administration Acting Deputy Regional Administrator. “These new buses will help Johnson County Transit reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality and modernize transit service for the community.”

“We are so grateful for these millions of federal funding dollars that will help people in Johnson County travel more efficiently and in a more sustainable manner,” said Mike Kelly, chair of the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners. “A successful transit program takes partnerships at the local, state and federal levels, and I appreciate everyone who came to celebrate the good news of this investment into our community.”

More information is available through the Federal Transit Administration.