SCDOT Requests Public Comments on Second Round of Rural Bus and Bus Facilities Competitive Program Awards

Columbia, S.C. (May 22, 2026) – The South Carolina Department of Transportation seeks public comments on a second round of rural projects submitted for funding under the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) FFY2023 Rural Bus and Bus Facilities Discretionary Award to SCDOT (Section 5339). SCDOT will receive public comments for a 21-day period from May 22 to June 11, 2026.

The Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Competitive Program (49 U.S.C. 5339(b)) makes federal resources available to states and direct recipients to replace, rehabilitate and purchase buses and related equipment or bus-related facilities. This award of FFY2023 funding was allocated to SCDOT through a competitive process, from proposals submitted to FTA in response to a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). 

The South Carolina Department of Transportation was awarded funding to support the purchase of new replacement vehicles for rural transit agencies throughout the state. The project will improve transit service and reliability for residents in rural South Carolina communities. 

The SCDOT Office of Public Transit issued a Statewide call for projects in November 2025. A list of eligible rural project applications received by the Office of Public Transit and recommended for award is shown below.

South Carolina Department of Transportation FFY2023 Federal Transit Administration Bus and Bus Facilities Discretionary Award Rural Vehicle Replacement Program Round 2
South Carolina Department of Transportation FFY2023 Federal Transit Administration Bus and Bus Facilities Discretionary Award Rural Vehicle Replacement Program Round 2
Agency Number of Vehicles Approved Federal 5339(85 percent) State Mass Transit Fund Share(15 percent) Total Project Cost
Bamberg COA 9 $969,000 $71,000 $1,140,000
Edgefield County Senior 1 $102,000 $18,000 $120,000
Fairfield County Transit 1 $127,000 $22,500 $150,000
Lancaster County COA 6 $765,000 $135,000 $900,000
LRTA 14 $,785,000 $315,000 $2,100,000
McCormick Senior Center 13 $1,419,500 $250,500 $1,670,000
Newberry COA 1 $127,500 $22,500 $150,000
Orangeburg County Transit 2 $255,000 $45,000 $300,000
Pee Dee RTA 11 $2,167,500 $382,500 2,550,000
SRHS 4 $510,000 $90,000 $600,000
SWRTA 7 $1,275,000 $225,000 1,500,000
York County COA 2 $204,000 $36,000 $240,000
Total Amounts to Date 67 $9,707,000 $1,713,000 $11,420,000

Submit a Comment

SCDOT will receive public comment for a 21-day period from May 22 to June 11, 2026.

Visit scdot.org/projects/public-comment-notices to view all STIP Comment Notices and submit comments online. Comments will be accepted through April 30, 2026 and should be submitted to Ginny Jones, Public Involvement Director, SCDOT Office of Public Engagement, 955 Park Street, P.O. Box 191, Columbia, SC 29202. Comments may also be submitted online or by email to SCDOTpubliccomment@scdot.org.

Please note, any information provided, including names and addresses, is subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. To assist those who do not have internet access, a printed copy of this press release and any supporting information is available for public review and comment at any of the South Carolina Department of Transportation District Offices and South Carolina Council of Government Offices.

About SCDOT

The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is the state agency with oversight of South Carolina’s network of highways and bridges, including responsibilities such as planning, design, construction, financing, and roadway safety. To ensure the nation’s fourth-largest highway system is prepared to serve the needs of South Carolina’s growing economy and population, SCDOT has developed a Strategic 10-Year Plan that addresses improvements to the state’s highway and bridge systems. Learn more at scdot.org. 

Related Links

We welcome your comments

Comments will be accepted until the close of business on May 22, 2026

Comments can be submitted in the following ways:

  • Mailed to: 955 Park Street, P.O. Box 191, Columbia, S.C. 29202

  • Emailed to: SCDOTPublicComment@scdot.gov 

  • Submit comments online by selecting the Comment Form Button below and filling out a brief form.
Comment Form

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NOTE: Information provided, including name and address, is subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.