# Bus Testing (20.529)

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/programs/20-529-bus-testing/  
Publisher: Well Told Grants. Data: USAspending.gov and Grants.gov, updated November 7, 2026.

Bus Testing is run by Department of Transportation. From fiscal 2021 to 2025 it awarded $29.7 million in 8 grants, about $3.7 million per award.

## Objectives

The purpose of the program is to provide assistance for testing new transit bus models and reporting on their maintainability, reliability, safety, performance (including braking performance), structural integrity, fuel economy, emissions, and noise performance characteristics. Per 49 U.S.C Section 5318(e), amounts appropriated or otherwise made available under this chapter may be obligated or expended to acquire a new bus model only if that model is tested at the Bus Testing Facility and the bus achieved a passing test score based upon the performance standards for maintainability, reliability, performance (including braking performance), structural integrity, fuel economy, emissions, noise, and safety. The program is administered under FTA’s implementing regulation at 49 CFR Part 665, commonly referred to as the Bus Testing Regulation.

## Funding by fiscal year

| Year | Amount | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $3.0 million | 1 |
| 2022 | $2.0 million | 1 |
| 2023 | $12.1 million | 3 |
| 2024 | $0 | 0 |
| 2025 | $12.6 million | 3 |

## Largest recipients

| Recipient | State | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Pennsylvania State University | Pennsylvania | $29.7 million |