The U.S. Department of Transportation recently awarded the Mountain Line public transit system in Missoula, Mont., a $3.6 million grant under the Low and No Emission Vehicle Grant Program, U.S. Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) announced Wednesday.
The program supports the purchasing or leasing of low- or no-emission buses and other transit vehicles.
“The Mountain Line has gone above and beyond, leading the way for our state with their commitment to sustainable and equitable public transportation that will continue to boost jobs and our economy well into the future,” Tester said.
The Mountain Line transports more than 1.5 million riders annually at no cost. Its board of directors adopted a resolution last year, establishing a goal of eliminating all tailpipe emissions from its fleet by 2035.
Currently, there are 12 electric vehicles in the fleet. Funding will be used to purchase additional vehicles.
“Mountain Line is committed to moving Missoula forward sustainably and has committed to a zero-tailpipe-emissions fleet by 2035,” Mountain Line CEO and General Manager Corey Aldridge said. “We are grateful for the leadership and support of Senator Jon Tester in helping us transition to a cleaner fleet for a healthier, more equitable community that benefits us all.”
Last year, the Missoula Urban Transportation District received nearly $6 million through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.