U.S. DOT announces $409.6 million for bus fleets

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The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced Monday that it will make $409.6 million in grants available for building and maintaining transit bus and van fleets across the country.

The Buses and Bus Facilities Program is the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) largest annual discretionary package. Grants awarded through the program will help transit agencies buy and rehabilitate buses, vans, and related equipment, as well as build bus facilities.

“The Biden Administration believes that expanding and improving bus service is an essential part of reaching our ambitious economic, climate, equity, safety and accessibility goals,” Deputy Transportation Secretary Polly Trottenberg said. “This funding will help transit agencies modernize their bus fleets and better connect their riders with jobs and opportunities — benefits we can bring to even more communities with passage of the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act.”

The FTA encourages applicants to submit projects that will address air quality issues and promote environmental justice, as well as projects incorporating low- or no-emission technology or other elements that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and impact climate change.

“Transit operators nationwide have an opportunity to replace aging buses and facilities with newer, cleaner infrastructure that is more efficient to operate and maintain,” FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez said. “Modern buses, particularly those powered with battery-electric or fuel cells, improve air quality and help us address the climate crisis.”

Recipients of the grants will be encouraged to use up to .5 percent of their grant for workforce development activities, and use an additional .5 percent on costs associated with training at the National Transit Institute.

Eligible applicants include public transit agencies, state departments of transportation, and Indian Tribes. Projects will be evaluated based on need, benefits, implementation strategy and the organization’s capacity to implement the project. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. EST, on Nov. 15, 2021.