Hazleton receives $10M in federal funds for public transportation

The U.S. Department of Transportation recently awarded Hazleton a $10 million federal grant through Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Buses and Bus Facilities Program for site improvements and new buses.

The program funds the replacement, rehabilitation, and purchase of buses and related equipment, the construction of bus-related facilities, and innovations to modify low or no emission vehicles or facilities.

The city will use the funds to replace and upgrade buses and make improvements to its Church Street Intermodal Center, Hazleton Mayor Jeff Cusat said.

Hazleton Public Transit operates bus routes in the city and the surrounding townships and boroughs. It is part of the city’s Department of Public Services.

“Modern and reliable public transit is critical, especially for frontline workers who rely on it to get to their jobs during this pandemic,” U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-PA) said. “I will always be a strong advocate for funding our transportation infrastructure across Northeastern Pennsylvania because it creates jobs, keeps people working, and supports our businesses of all sizes.”

The FTA invests more than $12 billion annually to support and expand public bus, rail, ferry, trolley, and other transit services. Funding has been used to extend service into rural communities and small cities that lack transit options and modernizing public transportation.