The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) recently awarded the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) an $11.4 million grant to purchase 22 battery electric public transportation buses.
The FTA awarded grants to 70 projects in 39 states. The projects will modernize and improve transit by helping communities purchase new technology and electric buses that will eliminate greenhouse gas emissions, promote cleaner air, or address the climate crisis.
CTDOT’s buses will replace diesel-operated ones. They are expected to be delivered within the next 18 months. There are currently 10 battery electric buses operating in the CTtransit system.
“Incorporating electric buses into the fleet moves operations away from a dependence on fossil fuels, reduces air pollution caused by diesel combustion, and results in significant maintenance and repair savings over the life of the vehicle,” Joseph Giulietti, Connecticut Department of Transportation commissioner, said.
Gov. Ned Lamont signed an executive order in December, directing all state agencies to take steps to reduce carbon emissions. After 2023, CTDOT can no longer purchase or use state funds to purchase diesel buses and, by 2035, must create a roadmap for electrifying the state’s bus fleet.
The Connecticut Electric Bus Initiative will transition statewide transit fleets from diesel to zero-emission battery electric buses.