The Biden administration has recently announced a significant investment in transit manufacturing, with a focus on zero-emission buses. This move is part of the administration’s efforts to address climate change and promote equity in transportation.
The $1.5 billion investment, which stems from the bipartisan infrastructure bill signed into law in November 2021, will support the production of clean transit buses. The White House revealed that it had engaged with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to explore ways to scale up the manufacturing of clean transit buses to meet market demand and national climate goals.
Notably, the investment is expected to play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector, which is one of the largest contributors to emissions. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized that the funding will lead to the introduction of thousands of new buses in communities across the country, ultimately reducing traffic congestion, air pollution, and creating job opportunities for American workers.
As part of the investment, the FTA has allocated $1.1 billion to its Low- or No-Emission Grant Program, enabling transit agencies to procure zero-emission buses. An additional $390 million will be directed towards grants for buses and bus facilities, as highlighted by the Department of Transportation.
Nuria Fernandez, the FTA Administrator, emphasized that the funding will not only contribute to cutting pollution but also promote cleaner, faster, and safer bus riding experiences. Furthermore, the FTA aims to provide solutions to reduce bus costs, shorten production timelines, and maintain domestic manufacturing capacity as transit agencies acquire buses.
This significant investment aligns with President Biden’s broader vision for clean energy and sustainable transportation. It underscores the administration’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges and fostering a more sustainable and equitable transit system.
Overall, the $1.5 billion investment in clean transit buses reflects a pivotal step towards advancing clean energy and reducing emissions in the transportation sector, signaling a concerted effort by the Biden administration to prioritize environmental sustainability and innovation in transit manufacturing.
