CyRide was recently awarded a $3.1 million grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Grants for Bus and Bus Facilities Competitive Program. FTA awarded approximately $409 million to 70 projects across the country to modernize and electrify buses and improve safety and reliability of America’s bus systems.
CyRide will use these funds to purchase three battery electric buses and two articulated buses to replace five diesel buses that have exceeded their useful life. These new buses are in addition to two electric buses which are expected to arrive in June. Through FTA support, CyRide will increase its battery electric vehicle fleet to five buses while reducing costs to the community. Additionally, the articulated buses increase capacity while decreasing the number of buses and drivers needed. The new buses will reduce emissions when compared to the older diesel buses they will replace on the #23 Orange Route.
“We are honored to be one of 70 recipients from across the nation to be selected. These new buses are at the leading edge of sustainable technology, and we are excited to be bringing them to the community,” said Transit Director Barbara Neal.
“Transit agencies are replacing aging buses and facilities with newer, cleaner infrastructure that is more efficient to operate and maintain,” said FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez. “Modern buses, especially those powered with electric batteries or fuel cells, improve air quality and help us address the climate crisis.”
CyRide continues to reduce its carbon footprint through hybrid buses, hybrid driver relief vehicles, biodiesel fuels, an energy-efficient administrative building, and solar-powered bus shelters. Using public transportation also reduces the community carbon footprint.
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