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University of Tennessee receives $10 million for T bus fleet expansion, safety upgrades

The funding will add 10 hybrid buses, improve pedestrian safety, and reduce wait times on campus routes.

Orange bus with "Tennessee" in bold white letters above windows, parked on street. Bright, sunny background with trees and cars.

All aboard. | Photo provided by the University of Tennessee

$10 million. That’s how much the University of Tennessee is set to receive through two federal grants aimed at improving campus transit and pedestrian safety.

The funding will expand the T bus fleet, install new pedestrian safety technology, and help identify areas for future safety upgrades.

As part of the project, the fleet will add 10 hybrid buses, with service expected to begin in fall 2027. Officials say the expansion will include at least one new route and should help reduce wait times on existing lines.

The new hybrid buses are also more environmentally friendly, delivering roughly twice the fuel economy of older models and cutting carbon emissions by about 30%.