US Transportation Secretary awards $409M to help decarbonize bus fleets
President Biden and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded $409.3 million in grants to 70 projects in 39 states to modernize U.S. buses, make bus systems and routes more reliable, and improve their safety. The grants support modernizing and improving the most widespread form of transit in the country and will help dozens of communities buy new-technology and alternative fuel buses that reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions, promote cleaner air, and help address the climate crisis.
“These grants will help people in communities large and small get to work, get to school, and access the services they need,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Everyone deserves access to safe, reliable, clean public transportation – and thanks to the President’s historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are bringing modern buses to communities across America.”
“Transit agencies are replacing aging buses and facilities with newer, cleaner infrastructure that is more efficient to operate and maintain,” said FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez. “Modern buses improve air quality and help us address the climate crisis.”
Some of the projects selected to receive Fiscal Year 2021 funding include:
Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) will receive $5,250,000 to purchase CNG buses to replace older buses that are reaching the end of their useful life. It will allow SacRT to improve service reliability and maintain a state of good repair.
SunLine Transit Agency will receive $8,409,070 to buy zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell transit buses and rehabilitate CNG buses. This project will allow the agency to improve air quality, safety, and service reliability.
South Bend Public Transportation Corporation (Transpo) will get $4,327,304 to buy CNG buses to replace older diesel buses that have exceeded their useful life. This project will improve the safety and reliability of transit service for residents of South Bend and Mishawaka in Northern Indiana.
Eastern Contra Costa Transit Authority (ECCTA) will receive $3,998,543 to purchase infrastructure and equipment to support hydrogen fuel cell buses. This project will improve air quality and the safety and reliability of ECCTA transit, which serves residents of Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley, Pittsburg and the County of Contra Costa.
Riverside Transit Agency will receive $8,787,846 to build hydrogen fueling stations at its Riverside and Hemet Divisions and provide training for its maintenance staff. This will support the RTA’s efforts in transitioning towards a hydrogen fuel cell bus fleet, improving air quality and furthering the agency’s climate goals.
North County Transit District (NCTD) will get $4,800,000 to buy hydrogen fuel cell buses to replace older buses that have reached the end of their useful life. This will improve air quality as well as transit service in greater Northern San Diego County.
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada will receive ($4,870,000 to buy hydrogen fuel cell buses to replace older diesel buses and install renewable energy lighting at bus stops throughout its system. This will improve air quality as well as safety and service reliability for residents in the greater Las Vegas area.
