U.S. Department of Transportation Announces $55 Million in Grants to Transit Agencies to Deploy Clean Buses

FTA today announced selections for an expanded Low or No-Emission (Low-No) Bus Competitive Grant Program that reflects growing interest in new technology buses. Twenty transit providers in 13 states will receive a share of $55 million for transit buses and related technology that replaces aging diesel fuel buses with battery-electric or fuel cell-powered vehicles and incorporates other innovations.

Replacing traditional buses with electricity-powered buses that generate low or no emissions lessens reliance on fossil fuel, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and improves operating efficiency. The selected projects represent strategic investments to help reduce air pollution, train employees in maintaining new technology buses, and connect people to jobs and services through efficient bus transit networks. The grants allow agencies to acquire buses and supporting facilities and infrastructure such as maintenance facilities and recharging equipment – including new "en-route" charging that extends battery life. Many agencies also use the grants to develop knowledge in their workforces about how to operate and maintain a new generation of buses.

FTA's Low or No Emission Vehicle Grants Program has evolved from a research and deployment program that was established under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) into an annually funded grant program. The Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act more than doubled the amount of funding available and moved the Low-No Program under the existing Bus and Bus Facilities Program.

Links:
Low or No Emission Vehicle Grants Program
Fiscal Year 2016 Low and No-Emission Vehicle Program Projects

Summit County Manager using public transportation in
Denver, Colorado.