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CCRTA presents 2024 year-end review, wins federal low-emission grant and outlines maintenance facility plan
Summary
The Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority briefed commissioners on ridership growth, safety awards, a $5.88 million FTA low- or no-emission grant for CNG buses, and plans for a new maintenance facility funded by competitive grants.
The Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority presented its 2024 year-end review to the Nueces County Commissioners Court on June 18, reporting ridership growth, national safety recognitions and a federal grant award to replace diesel buses with low-emission vehicles.
Key points: CCRTA CEO Derek Majak told the court that ridership grew by roughly 12% in 2024, with an estimated 3.7 million rides for the year. The agency said it had improved ADA accessibility, installed more than 415 solar-lit shelters and raised rider security and emergency-management training, which the American Public Transportation Association recognized.
Federal grant: Majak and staff said the Federal Transit Administration awarded CCRTA approximately $5.88 million through the low-or-no emission grant program to purchase eight low-emission compressed natural gas (CNG) buses and to fund modern training equipment to build workforce capacity.
Maintenance facility and priorities: CCRTA described a long-planned replacement of an aging maintenance shop that fails to meet modern windstorm and continuity standards. Majak said the authority would pursue competitive grants and local partnerships to fund a new facility and asked for continued local support, citing prior successful federal and state grant applications.
Local partnerships and students: The authority highlighted partnerships with local school districts and higher-education institutions including fare-free agreements for students, and a pilot program that had students produce promotional material. Majak credited the CCRTA board and staff with active lobbying that had helped secure federal grants.
Why it matters: The grant will allow CCRTA to modernize its fleet and reduce emissions; a new maintenance facility would allow continuous operations during hurricanes and other emergencies while improving vehicle repair capacity.
Next steps: CCRTA said it will continue outreach to county leaders and asked for letters of support for grant applications and for consideration in future emergency planning and sheltering coordination.
