Federal funding to the tune of $1.5 billion is now being made available for the upgrading of public bus facilities across the country.
The Department of Transportation says the money will come through competitive grants and will also go for modernizing bus fleets to reduce or eliminate their level of emissions.
“We’re making the largest ever investment in this program for buses and bus facilities, helping to deliver better commutes and cleaner air to American communities,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in announcing the funding program.
The funding will come in two forms, with the Federal Transit Administration offering up to $1.1 billion in grants for bus systems to purchase low or no-emission vehicles, as well as updating bus transit stations and facilities.
That $1.1 billion, more specifically, is part of the FTA’s Low or No Emission grant program.
In officially announcing the outlines of the Low or No program earlier this, the FTA said funding could be applied to “constructing or leasing facilities and related equipment” for low or no emission buses, as well as “constructing new public transportation facilities” for the same purpose.
The second source of funding will be found through the Buses and Bus Facilities Program, which is offering up to $372 million, also in competitive grants, to bus systems buying new low-emission vehicles, or updating bus facilities.
Eligible applicants for the grants include state, local, and Indian Tribe government authorities. Applicants for rural area projects must be submitted as part of a larger consolidated state proposal.
By Garry Boulard
