Hattiesburg, Mississippi – The City of Hattiesburg has received a $6.45 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration to support a major investment in Hub City Transit, including the replacement of aging buses and construction of new propane fueling infrastructure.

The award, provided through the FTA’s Low or No Emission Grant Program, includes $6,455,325 in federal funding. The city will provide a $1,091,259 local match over five years, bringing the total project investment to approximately $7.55 million.

Through the grant, Hub City Transit will purchase 14 propane-powered buses to replace vehicles as they reach the end of their useful life. The project will also fund fueling infrastructure, facility modifications, maintenance and safety equipment, employee training and other services needed to support the new fleet.

“This grant allows us to make a significant investment in the future of public transportation in Hattiesburg,” said Mayor Toby Barker. “Replacing aging vehicles will improve reliability for riders, while the supporting infrastructure and training included in this project will help ensure Hub City Transit is positioned to serve our community well for years to come.”

The transition to propane will reduce emissions compared with diesel while providing Hub City Transit with a fuel that can lower both fuel and maintenance costs over the life of the vehicles.

The fleet will be replaced in phases. Five new buses are expected in 2027, followed by four in 2028, with the remaining five scheduled for replacement over the following three years.

The grant also includes funding for the design and installation of propane fueling infrastructure at Hub City Transit facilities. Those improvements will include fueling equipment, storage and distribution components, site work and related facility modifications needed to support daily operations.

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