Amarillo Secured Federal Transit Grant Funding

The Federal Transit Administration awarded Amarillo a grant to improve mobility for seniors and residents with disabilities.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Civic Engagement

Isometric editorial illustration of a concrete transit ramp and shelter, depicting infrastructure improvements for municipal accessibility. — The Federal Transit Administration awarded Amarillo a $700,000 grant to enhance transit accessibility and mobility services for seniors and disabled residents. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Federal Transit Administration has awarded the City of Amarillo a Section 5310 grant totaling approximately $700,000 for use through 2026. This funding will support enhanced transportation services for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Why it matters

The grant provides critical financial support after the city faced a $1.4 million annual loss in transit funding following a population reclassification after the 2020 U.S. Census. The funds aim to restore necessary accessibility and mobility options for vulnerable residents.

The city will receive over $200,000 annually through 2026. This award follows a 2024 population reclassification that retroactively qualified Amarillo for the federal funds.

The players

Federal Transit Administration

This is an agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation that provides financial and technical assistance to local public transit systems.

City of Amarillo

This is the municipal government responsible for managing public infrastructure and local transportation services for its residents.

ACT-Connect

This is the local transit service in Amarillo that provides transportation support to seniors and individuals with disabilities.

The details

City officials identified project priorities including new shelters, benches, and signs by consulting local service organizations and through public surveys. Plans also include constructing ADA-compliant pathways and implementing a fare subsidy assistance program to complement existing services like ACT-Connect.

2024: The FTA changed population categories and retro-qualified Amarillo for grants.
April 2026: ACT-Connect provided 3,700 trips.
September 2026: ACT-Connect provided over 6,000 trips.
January 2027: New bus routes are scheduled to begin.
March 2027: Updates and improvements to bus stops are expected.

Political Context

Opponents or budget hawks have previously raised concerns regarding the fiscal reliance of municipal services on federal grants rather than local revenue streams. Critics argue that such dependence may leave essential city services vulnerable to changes in federal political priorities or reclassification metrics.

Residents who rely on ACT-Connect for essential travel may see improved accessibility and expanded routes starting in early 2027. These changes are designed to provide more reliable and compliant transit options for those with limited mobility.

The takeaway

The infusion of federal grant money will help the city modernize its transit infrastructure to meet current accessibility standards. Residents should watch for upcoming service changes in 2027 as the city integrates these improvements into the local bus network.