The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) recently awarded the Delaware Transit Corp (DTC), a subsidiary of the Delaware Department of Transportation, a $3.5 million grant.
DTC operates the DART First State service. It will use the funds to purchase six additional electric buses that will grow DART First State’s alternative fuel fleet. Currently, the service operates 16 electric buses statewide with four more soon to enter service.
Electric buses produce 90 percent fewer particulates than diesel versions and can travel up to 250 miles on a single charge. They also are easier to maintain.
Once DART’s fleet totals 26 electric buses, they will have replaced approximately 10 percent of the current fixed route diesel buses.
“The need for alternative modes of transportation grows daily as does the need for cleaner transportation,” Nicole Majeski, Delaware Secretary of Transportation, said. “We are grateful for this grant and the opportunity to continue to explore ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while continuing to provide the highest quality transportation services to the community.”
The FTA has awarded DTC four grants totaling more than $9.1 million to support the purchase of electric buses. The first grant was for $2.03 million, the second for $1 million and the third for $2.6 million.