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The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration announced the awarding of $1.66 billion to transit agencies, territories, and states across the United States for investing in 150 bus fleets and facilities.
Backed by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, more than 1,100 of the aforementioned vehicles will utilize zero-emissions technology, which will reduce air pollution and work to meet President Joe Biden's goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, according to an Aug. 16 FTA news release.
“With today's awards, we're helping communities across America – in cities, suburbs, and rural areas alike – purchase more than 1,800 new buses, and most of them are zero-emission," DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in the release. "Funded through President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this announcement means more good jobs for people across the country, cleaner air in our communities, and more affordable and reliable options to help people get to where they need to go."
The bus grant awards, created by the FTA's Buses and Bus Facilities and Low- and No-Emission Vehicle programs, are the FTA's first competitive grant selections under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the release reported.
"When a transit door opens, whether it is a bus, train or ferry, it is a great equalizer for everyone in our nation," FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez said, according to the release. "With this tremendous amount of funding, the President's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law gives more Americans access to the opportunities that transit creates, more often, in more places. These investments also help us meet our goals of cutting transportation emissions, creating good-paying American manufacturing jobs, and helping America's transit workers prepare for new vehicle technology."
The Low or No Emission (Low-No) Grant Program makes funding accessible to aid transit agencies in buying or leasing American-built low- or no-emission vehicles, including any related equipment or facilities. According to the release, the program made approximately $1.17 billion in grants available during fiscal year 2022.
The Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program supports transit agencies in buying and rehabilitating buses and vans, as well as building bus maintenance facilities, the release reported. The program made approximately $550 million in grants available during fiscal year 2022.
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