The U.S. Department of Transportation announced awards for the Low- or No-Emission (Lo-No) Grant program run by its Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
Overall, the FTA will award $84.9 million in grants to 38 projects for the deployment of transit buses and infrastructure that use advanced propulsion technologies. These include hydrogen fuel cells, battery electric engines, and related infrastructure investments such as charging stations. The 38 awarded projects are from 38 states.
“These grants will help communities nationwide bring the next generation of bus technology to enhance their transportation systems,” Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said.
Among the grant recipients, the Vermont Agency of Transportation will receive $3 million to purchase all-electric buses and charging equipment and upgrade its bus facility to support electric charging for Advance Transit. The Prince George’s County, Maryland Department of Transportation will also receive $2.2 million to purchase battery electric buses and charging stations to determine the effectiveness of incorporating electric vehicles into its 95-vehicle fleet. Additionally, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) will receive $2.6 million to purchase battery electric buses and chargers that will replace diesel buses on two of its 108 routes.
“Since its establishment, FTA’s Low-No program has funded over $300 million in new buses, infrastructure, and training, helping create and maintain American jobs in a fast-growing industry,” FTA Acting Administrator Jane Williams said.