Fort Bend Transit Awarded $13.7M Federal Grant to Expand Clean-Fuel Fleet and Improve Transit Infrastructure
Fort Bend Transit (FBT) has been awarded $13,747,776 in federal funding to support its “Better Buses, Brighter Futures” initiative, a multi-phase project that will modernize public transportation in Fort Bend County by expanding clean-fuel capabilities, upgrading transit infrastructure, and improving service reliability for local residents.
The funding, announced by Fort Bend County officials this week, is part of a broader $15.7 million project supported by the Houston-Galveston Area Council, Fort Bend County Commissioners Court, Congressman Troy Nehls, and Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. The grant is intended to help reduce emissions, increase fuel efficiency, and improve mobility across the region, particularly for underserved populations.
According to county officials, the federal grant will fund three primary efforts:
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Construction of a compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station to support an expanded clean-fuel fleet.
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Upgrades to FBT’s existing maintenance facility to ensure safety and compliance for CNG vehicles.
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Replacement of 13 outdated gasoline and diesel vehicles with 11 new CNG buses.
The “Better Buses, Brighter Futures” project aims to reduce vehicle emissions while increasing operational efficiency. Fort Bend Transit’s transition from aging gas and diesel vehicles to CNG buses is expected to lower greenhouse gas output, reduce maintenance costs, and extend vehicle lifespans.
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As part of the plan, FBT’s Rosenberg-based maintenance facility will be retrofitted with new ventilation, gas detection, and fire safety systems to meet national compliance standards such as NFPA 52, NFPA 30A, and the International Fire Code. The addition of an on-site CNG fueling station is also expected to eliminate fueling delays and support future fleet growth.
Established in 2005 by the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court, Fort Bend Transit was created to connect rural and urban areas of the county while expanding access to federal rural transit funds without increasing tax burdens. Today, the system offers Demand Response and Commuter Park and Ride services, with nearly 330,000 passenger trips annually (as of October 2023–September 2024).
The agency provides curb-to-curb shared-ride service across Fort Bend County and operates weekday commuter routes to major job centers, including the Texas Medical Center, Greenway Plaza, and Downtown Houston. Park and Ride service is currently offered from Rosenberg and two Sugar Land locations.
The new CNG buses will be used to replace vehicles that have reached or exceeded their maximum service life, many of which experience frequent breakdowns and rising upkeep costs. The project will also introduce expanded routes, including a commuter line to the Houston Energy Corridor, designed to improve access to jobs, healthcare, education, and childcare.
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Fort Bend Transit officials say the upgrades are aligned with the county’s broader climate and transportation goals, which focus on sustainability, reduced congestion, and greater access to essential services. The improvements are expected to benefit a wide range of riders, including seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income residents.
County officials noted that funding from federal, state, and regional sources has become increasingly critical in meeting the demands of Fort Bend’s growing population without placing additional strain on taxpayers. This latest grant is one of several awarded to the county in recent years to support infrastructure, transportation, and environmental resilience projects.
The “Better Buses, Brighter Futures” initiative will be implemented in phases over the coming months. Fort Bend Transit has not yet announced a timeline for the arrival of the new CNG buses or the completion of infrastructure improvements. Updates are expected to be released as the project progresses.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
