Stimulus Money to Purchase RTA’s First Buses

Federal stimulus money will buy 15 vans and two hybrid buses for the Regional Transportation Authority’s service to and from Murfreesboro.

RTA planning director Jim McAteer says until now the agency has not owned its own buses, instead contracting with outside companies.

“In terms of RTA owning these buses for the first time, it kind of makes the bus transit a little bit more official.”

McAteer says RTA is primarily known for operating the Music City Star commuter train and organizing van-pools.

As part of the $2.2 million stimulus grant announced Friday, Murfreesboro will also purchase bus shelters and transportation system technology.