The municipality of Bayamón announced two new Baya-trolley routes serving the Hato Tejas neighborhood and an extension of Paratransit service to the municipality's southern zone. Officials said the goal is to expand collective transportation options and improve residents' connectivity and mobility. To support the expansion, the municipality purchased a new vehicle fleet at an investment of approximately $1.6 million, initially financed with municipal funds and later to be reimbursed with federal funds.
The investment also covers operational costs such as driver salaries, fuel, preventive maintenance and repairs. For fiscal year 2026, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) allows up to $493,011 in Section 5307 funds to cover fixed-route operational expenses under the "Special Rule" provision; expenses beyond that limit must be covered by other eligible funding sources. ADA Paratransit operational assistance also funds eligible costs for specialized transportation services.
Mayor Ramón Luis Rivera said the transportation service facilitates residents' access to jobs, health services, schools and other activities. Hato Tejas is Bayamón's most populous barrio, with an estimated 38,270 residents. Municipal data cited show about 40,307 Bayamón residents live with a disability (about 23% of the population), and roughly 41.2% of that population lives below the poverty level.