PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Public Transit Authority has received $1.5 million in federal funds to purchase new all-electric buses and associated infrastructure, Sen. Jack F. Reed announced Wednesday.
The funds come from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration Low or No Emission Bus Program.
“RIPTA is moving toward a cleaner energy future and replacing older buses with newer, more efficient models. This federal grant is a smart investment that will help RIPTA curb pollution, accelerate the transition to a greener fleet, and reduce maintenance costs in the long run. I am pleased to help deliver these funds to support RIPTA’s sustainability goals as they continue finding new and innovative ways to provide safe, clean, flexible transportation opportunities to all Rhode Islanders,” said Reed in a statement.
The funds will be used in conjunction with a portion of funds from the state’s settlement with Volkswagen over diesel fuel emissions fraud. At the time of the settlement, the state announced that $10.7 million from its $14.4 million Volkswagen payout will be used to replace approximately 20 retiring diesel buses with all-electric zero-emission vehicles. Funds also will be used to install charging infrastructure related to the electric buses.
The electric buses will replace older buses in the state that are being retired. They are expected to be acquired and in service by 2021.
RIPTA estimates that the total bus project will cost approximately $23.2 million, with an estimated $19.8 million for the purchase of electric buses and $3.4 million for bus leasing, some infrastructure and administrative costs.
“This is great news for RIPTA and for the state,” Scott Avedisian, RIPTA’s CEO, stated. “By securing these additional funds, Senator Reed will allow us to advance our efforts. These funds, combined with Rhode Island’s Volkswagen Settlement Funds, are helping RIPTA to lead Rhode Island’s efforts to combat climate change in the transportation sector.”
Chris Bergenheim is the PBN web editor. He can be reached at Bergenheim@PBN.com.
