SunLine awarded federal grant to advance zero emissions bus technology

Credit: SunLine Transit Agency

SunLine Transit Agency has announced that it has been awarded $14,966,050 – the largest project award the agency has won in a cycle – by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

The first grant – totalling $7,819,257.00 – is for three fuel cell electric buses and the expansion of SunLine’s H2 fuelling. The second, in the amount of $7,146,793.00, is for all-battery electric buses and the required charging infrastructure.

“This revenue will help pay for and expand transit services for our customers,” said Lauren Skiver, CEO and General Manager of SunLine Transit Agency. “I couldn’t be prouder of our team, as this organisation continues to make history being recognised for its approach to transit service delivery and its work in zero-emission technology.”

These grants will be instrumental in advancing zero emissions technology, which reduces air pollution and helps meet President Joe Biden’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. This funding alone will nearly double the number of zero-emission transit buses on America’s roadways. In addition, for the first time, five per cent of the bus funding will be used to train transit workers on how to maintain and operate new clean bus technology.

SunLine takes the wheel on clean energy

“We’re helping communities across America – in cities, suburbs and rural areas alike – purchase more than 1,800 new buses, and most of them are zero-emission,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “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.”

“When a transit door opens, whether it is a bus, train, or ferry, it is a great equaliser for everyone in our nation,” said FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez. “With this tremendous amount of funding, the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law gives more Americans access to the opportunities that transit creates, more often, in more places. These investments also help us meet our goals of cutting transportation emissions, creating good-paying American manufacturing jobs and helping America’s transit workers prepare for new vehicle technology.”

FTA’s Low or No Emission (Low-No) Grant Program makes funding available to help transit agencies buy or lease U.S. built low- or no-emission vehicles, including related equipment or facilities. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $5.5 billion over five years for the Low-No Program – more than six times greater than the previous five years of funding. 

Furthermore, FTA’s Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program supports transit agencies in buying and rehabilitating buses and vans, as well as building bus maintenance facilities. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides nearly $2 billion over five years for the programme.