FTA Announces $1.7 Billion in Clean Transit Grants

The grant funding fell far short of the $8.7 billion requested by transit agencies.

1 minute read

June 27, 2023, 9:00 AM PDT

Close-up of front side of white electric bus

“The Federal Transit Administration announced Monday nearly $1.7 billion in grants under the Buses and Bus Facilities and Low- and No-Emission Vehicle programs for transit projects in 46 states and territories.” According to a brief by Dan Zukowski in Smart Cities Dive, the agency received $8.7 billion in applications.

The ‘Low-No’ program has been criticized by Transportation for America for “artificially constraining the conversion to zero-emission vehicles” by requiring that 25 percent of funding go toward low-emission projects. “Transportation for America found that while 88% of grant applications were for zero-emission buses and facilities, more than two-thirds of those applications were rejected, while nearly 100% of applications for projects for diesel hybrid and compressed natural gas buses were approved.”

During a press call, FTA Deputy Administrator Veronica Vanterpool said many of the low-emission projects are in rural areas where the infrastructure for zero-emission vehicles is less available.

Agencies awarded in this round include King County Metro in Seattle, the Ohio Department of Transportation, and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

FULL STORY: $1.7B for cleaner transit buses, bus facilities awarded by FTA

Monday, June 26, 2023 in Smart Cities Dive

Energy Transportation United States Low- or No-Emission Grant Program Electric Buses Public Transit Federal Transit Administration Transit Grant Low-Emissions Vehicle View More

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.