The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) recently announced it awarded approximately $182 million in funding for low- and no-emissions buses and the facilities through the Low- or No-Emission (Low-No) Grant program.
Forty-nine projects in 46 states and territories were awarded grants.
The program funds the deployment of zero-emission and low-emission transit buses as well as supporting facilities and equipment.
“The Federal Transit Administration is proud to support our transit partners to upgrade their fleets with newer, cleaner vehicles and facilities,” FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez said. “These projects are all designed to take dirty buses off the road and replace them with clean, electric models, improving the air we breathe and protecting our planet for future generations.”
Eligible applicants included public transit agencies, state transportation departments, and Indian Tribes. Projects were evaluated on numerous criteria. Projects were prioritized that support workforce development or had an environmental justice component.
Grant awardees include the Chicago Transit Authority, which received nearly $7 million to provide workforce training, upgrade its Southside bus depot and purchase battery electric buses and charging equipment. Additionally, the Regional Transportation Commission in Washoe County, Nev., received nearly $6.5 million to purchase hydrogen fuel cell electric buses and construct a hydrogen fueling facility.