Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced approximately $1.7 billion in funding from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) for transit projects in 46 states and territories.
The funding invests in over 1700 buses, with half of them being zero emission models. In addition, the funding will also be investing in America's workers with 22 of the projects operating with project labor agreements to ensure their efficient completion, and 34 projects have committed to the gold standard model of registered apprenticeship, with supportive services such as childcare for employees.
“Every day, over 60,000 buses in communities of all sizes take millions of Americans to work, school, and everywhere else they need to go,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Today’s announcement means more clean buses, less pollution, more jobs in manufacturing and maintenance, and better commutes for families across the country.”
Some of the projects include:
- The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) will receive $104 million to convert its Lorton, VA, bus garage to a fully electric facility, buy approximately 100 battery-electric buses, and develop a workforce training program for drivers, mechanics, and first responders to ensure safe and efficient operations of the fleet.
- King County Metro Transit in Seattle, Washington, will receive $33.5 million to buy approximately 30 battery-electric buses and charging equipment and train workers to maintain the electric fleet. The project will convert 27 bus routes that serve low-income areas and expand Metro’s apprenticeship program, including promoting transit careers for residents in underserved communities.
- The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) will receive $29.3 million to help 10 transit agencies serving both rural and urban communities buy dozens of low- or no-emission buses that will replace older vehicles. The agencies will expand their fleets to support essential services, train workers in good-quality careers, and begin the decarbonization transition for several of Ohio’s major transit systems.
“Today, we are creating new opportunities to dramatically improve the lives of millions of Americans who ride on buses every day,” said FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez. “Thanks to the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these grants will help deliver a cleaner and more modern mode of transportation, designed to reach everyone, and to work for everyone, particularly in places that haven’t received enough resources in the past.”
For a list of projects, click here.
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Source: USDOT
