The Federal Transit Administration awarded $84.9 million in grants to 38 projects in 38 states on July 26 via its Low- or No-Emission or “Low-No” program that funds transit bus projects centered around “advanced propulsion” technologies.
Eligible projects include the purchase or lease of buses powered by technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells, battery-electric engines, and related infrastructure investments such as charging stations.
“Since its establishment, FTA’s Low-No program has funded over $300 million in new buses, infrastructure, and training,” noted FTA Acting Administrator K. Jane Williams in a statement.
[Here’s an on-the-ground look at how one transit agency – Dallas Area Rapid Transit – is putting all-electric buses into operation.]
State departments of transportation receiving funds from this latest round of “Low-No” program grants include:
- The District Department of Transportation is getting $2.6 million to purchase battery electric buses that will replace diesel-powered models now reaching the end of their useful life.
- The Maryland Department of Transportation is receiving $2.2 million to purchase battery electric buses and charging stations to determine the effectiveness of incorporating electric vehicles into a 95-vehicle fleet operating in Prince George’s County.
- The Massachusetts Department of Transportation gets $2.2 million to purchase electric buses and install charging infrastructure.
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COVID-19 “stay-at-home” orders in some states resulted in 50 to 60% decline in motor vehicle travel during the height of the pandemic. This sudden drop caused severe losses in motor fuel tax revenues and other fees, which state transportation programs depend on for funding. “Without those funds, state DOTs have had no choice but to furlough workers and delay or cancel nearly $10 billion in essential transportation projects,” says Jim Tymon, executive director of AASHTO said. “Those project delays will continue unless Congress intervenes. We’re talking about projects that improve roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. Congress has to get this done.”
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