Fort Bend County Judge KP George announced November 25 that Fort Bend Transit (FBT) has been officially awarded $13,747,776 in federal funding to advance its “Better Buses, Brighter Futures” initiative, an effort that will significantly expand clean-fuel transit, modernize infrastructure, and improve mobility for underserved communities throughout the county, a statement from his office said. The award, part of a $15,743,361.00 total project, was made possible through the support of the Houston-Galveston Area Council, Fort Bend County Commissioners Court, Congressman Troy Nehls, and Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher.

“Safe, efficient and clean transportation has always been a top priority for me as your Fort Bend County Judge,” George said. “I applaud Fort Bend County Transit for providing this vital service to Fort Bend County residents and I look forward to the new CNG buses being placed into service. I’m incredibly grateful for the collaborative efforts of the Houston-Galveston Area Council, Fort Bend County Commissioners Court, Congressman Troy Nehls, and Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher to make this grant a reality. With Fort Bend County’s exponential growth, it is important to maintain efficient and safe transportation alternatives for Fort Bend County families, the disabled, and our senior citizens,

Judge George concluded saying, “Federal, state and local grants are hugely important to Fort Bend County, because they allow us to provide additional services to Fort Bend County residents with little or no cost to taxpayers. I am extremely proud of my team who has been able to secure over $600 million in grant funds since becoming your County Judge in 2019.”

The awarded funds will support three major improvements:

1. Construction of a compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station to support a growing clean-fuel fleet.

2. Upgrades to FBT’s maintenance facility to ensure CNG compliance, enhanced safety systems, and expanded staff development capabilities.

3. Replacement of 13 aging gasoline and diesel vehicles and addition of 11 new CNG buses, improving efficiency, service capacity, and environmental performance.

With this award, Fort Bend Transit will replace 13 vehicles that have met or exceeded their maximum useful life. These vehicles face increasing maintenance costs, declining reliability, and higher emissions. Transitioning to low-emission CNG buses will reduce greenhouse gas output, improve fuel efficiency, and help meet countywide climate and sustainability goals. New commuter service to the Houston Energy Corridor and expanded demand-response routes will strengthen access to jobs, healthcare, childcare, and education, advancing economic mobility by easing congestion and decreasing daily commute times.

The funding will upgrade FBT’s maintenance facility to safely accommodate CNG vehicles, including new ventilation, gas detection, and safety systems aligned with NFPA 52, NFPA 30A, and the International Fire Code. This long-term investment will reduce fueling delays, improve operational efficiency, and support future fleet expansion.

“The ‘Better Buses, Brighter Futures’ initiative is a direct investment in the health, mobility, and opportunity of Fort Bend County residents,” the statement from the judge’s office said. “Cleaner buses and expanded service will reduce emissions, improve air quality, and increase access to essential services, benefiting seniors, the handicapped, and commuters.”