The Texas Transportation Commission today awarded $35 million to transit providers around the state to improve public transportation for rural Texans.

The funding will help complete construction of four bus facilities and replace 325 buses and vans in growing rural areas with a high percentage of people who rely on these transportation services.

In Early, $332,503 will go towards the completion of the region’s first rural intermodal facility. The facility will be operated by Central Texas Rural Transit District (City and Rural Rides), an agency that provides rural transit services for residents in 11 Big Country and Heartland counties. The transit district also received over $1.1 million for new buses and vans.

“More reliable buses and vans help these rural residents maintain their independence and improve their overall quality of life by providing access to jobs, education, medical services and shopping,” said TxDOT Deputy Executive Director Marc Williams. “Newer transit vehicles also are more reliable, safer and less expensive to maintain.”

The $35 million award includes funds from the federal TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) grant program as well as federal and state funds.