The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority has secured its largest federal grant to date, receiving over $32 million from the Federal Transit Administration to replace 33 aging diesel buses with compressed natural gas vehicles.

The funding will support HART’s ongoing transition to a cleaner fleet. The agency is working to convert its entire fixed route fleet to compressed natural gas and is 75% of the way there, with plans to complete the project in 2026.

According to HART officials, the grant will save the agency over a million dollars in maintenance costs and reduce delays while improving on-time performance. A portion of the funding will also address workforce needs by expanding training partnerships to combat the nationwide technician shortage.

U.S. Representative Kathy Castor noted the environmental benefits of the transition, saying the change will improve air quality across the Tampa Bay area.

The Federal Transit Administration awarded more than 150 grants this cycle, with HART receiving the largest one in Florida.

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