The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced $1.66 billion in grants to transit agencies, territories, and states across the country to invest in 150 bus fleets and facilities, and speed up adoption of clean fuels, including Autogas. Funded by the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, more than 1,100 of those vehicles will use zero-emissions technology, which reduces air pollution and helps meet the President’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

The bus grant awards – made under FTA’s Buses and Bus Facilities and Low- and No-Emission Vehicle programmes – are FTA’s first competitive grant selections under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The programmes support the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to expand the nation’s transportation infrastructure, create and maintain good-paying jobs, and fight climate change.

Some of the projects selected:

– The Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority and Nantucket Regional Transit Authority will receive funding ($4,143,750) to buy LPG-powered buses to replace older diesel vehicles. This project will reduce emissions and allow more sustainable transit services in Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.

– The Bois Forte Band of Chippewa will receive funding ($739,500) to buy LPG buses to replace diesel buses to improve the efficiency of its Big Woods Transit fleet and minimise negative environmental impacts in the Arrowhead region of northern Minnesota. The buses will lessen idle time in cold weather, reduce fuel cost, and by emitting less carbon dioxide than gasoline, reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

– The City of Fayetteville (North Carolina) will receive funding ($280,500) to buy LPG-powered light transit vehicles dedicated to ADA paratransit service to replace diesel vehicles that have exceeded their useful life.

– South Dakota Department of Transportation will receive funding ($1,067,774) on behalf of River Cities Public Transit, Community Transit of Watertown/Sisseton, Prairie Hills Transit and Rural Office of Community Services to buy as many as eight low-emission LPG buses, two LPG conversion kits, and install an LPG fueling station. The project will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“With today’s awards, we’re helping communities across America – in cities, suburbs, and rural areas alike – purchase more than 1,800 new buses,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Funded through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this announcement means more good jobs for people across the country, cleaner air in our communities, and more affordable and reliable options to help people get to where they need to go.”

For more information, please visit this link.

Photo: River Cities Public Transit (South Dakota)

14 September 2022