The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has earmarked $5.6 million for the Town of Chapel Hill and Chapel Hill Transit to purchase zero-emission electric buses and charging infrastructure.
The Bus and Bus Facilities grant funds make federal resources available to states and direct recipients to replace, rehabilitate and purchase buses and related equipment, as well as construct bus-related facilities.
“Chapel Hill Transit is a national leader when it comes to affordable, dependable public transportation that ensures people can conveniently connect to jobs, healthcare, and educational opportunities,” Rep. David Price (D-NC), chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD), said. “This funding will ensure the bus fleet remains in top shape while reducing carbon emissions and air pollution. As THUD Chairman, I’ll continue working with my colleagues to provide robust federal support to transit agencies across the country.”
Brian Litchfield, director of Chapel Hill Transit, said Chapel Hill Transit is committed to becoming more sustainable and resilient while taking steps to further reduce emissions.
“We believe that Battery Electric Buses (BEBs), combined with service improvements and expansions, can provide the benefits of reducing emissions by expanding transit use while using vehicles that themselves emit less carbon,” he said. “We appreciate Chairman Price’s leadership in supporting critical funding for systems like Chapel Hill Transit, as we implement and evaluate BEBs as a longer-term strategy of transitioning our fleet to BEBs.”