Below is a press release the Massachusetts Governor’s Office:
BOSTON, MA — The Healey-Driscoll Administration and Massachusetts Congressional delegation recently celebrated that five Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) have won $105.7 million in federal funding to modernize their bus fleets and facilities. The funding from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA)’s Low or No Emissions Grant Program and the Buses and Bus Facilities Program will support the purchase of zero and low-emission buses and upgrades to facilities.
The awarded grants are going to the MBTA, Merrimack Valley Transit Authority (MeVa), Lowell Regional Transit Authority (LRTA), Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA), and Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA).
“Low and no emission buses deliver smoother rides, lower costs and healthier air,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These funds will help regional transit authorities across the state purchase new buses and deliver the service that the people of Massachusetts deserve. I’m grateful for the team at MassDOT, the MBTA and our regional transit authorities, as well as for Senators Warren and Markey and our Congressional delegation for their strong leadership to secure this funding.”
“With these awards, communities from the Berkshires to Boston will be able to modernize their bus fleets and keep their infrastructure in a state of good repair so people can affordably and reliably get to work, school, medical appointments, and recreational opportunities,” said Senator Edward J. Markey. “I’m grateful to Governor Healey, Senator Warren, our federal congressional delegation, and our local partners for our work to make this funding a reality. We’re on the road to better and more reliable bus service.”
“Massachusetts is leading the nation in building a cleaner and more reliable public transit system, and this investment will lead to more reliable service, lower emissions, and a transit system that connects more people to jobs, schools, and opportunity. I’ll continue to work to bring more federal resources to Massachusetts to deliver real progress for riders across Massachusetts,” said Representative Seth Moulton (MA-06).
The projects that received grant funding include:
Low or No Emission Grant Program Awards (Total: $98,381,757)
This program provides funding for the purchase or lease of zero- and low-emission transit buses, as well as supporting facilities. The majority of the funding was awarded through this program:
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA): $78.6 million for the Enhanced Hybrid (EEH) Bus Procurement. This furthers the MBTA’s goal to fully transition to a zero-emission fleet by 2040, by maintaining the diesel-electric hybrid fleet in a state of good repair while modernization initiatives are underway
Merrimack Valley Transit Authority (MeVa): $7.2 million to support the continued modernization and expansion of MeVa’s fleet, including the addition of six expansion 40-foot hybrid electric vehicles.
Lowell Regional Transit Authority (LRTA): $7.2 million to modernize the fleet, including the procurement of six fully accessible Gillig 35FT Hybrid-Electric Heavy-Duty Low-Floor Fixed Route Buses to replace six 2016 diesel buses.
Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA): $5.4 million to replace four 35-foot vintage 2018 Gillig Diesel heavy-duty buses with four 40-foot Gillig Low Floor Hybrid Electric heavy duty transit vehicles. This next-generation electric hybrid system allows BRTA to achieve pure electric propulsion for up to 50% EV time during daily operation.
“The Healey-Driscoll Administration has made it a priority to pursue every dollar available and I’m proud of our collective teams across our Regional Transit Authorities and the MBTA for their collaboration and hard work to secure this $105.7 million in competitive grants that will enable us to modernize our bus fleets,” said Interim Transportation Secretary Phillip Eng. “With the support of our federal partners, these grants will improve service, safety and accessibility for all with new efficient buses that give the public the option to choose transit and leave their car behind.”
The Healey-Driscoll Administration has prioritized improving public transportation across the state. Under the leadership of General Manger Eng, the T has removed all slow zones for the first time in 20 years, increased speeds, opened new lines, hired thousands of workers, upgraded stations, implemented tap-to-pay and a low-income fares program, and more. As a result, the MBTA’s commuter rail ridership has rebounded at the highest level nationally, surpassing pre-pandemic ridership. Additionally, in partnership with the Legislature, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has made Regional Transit Authority service free across the state.
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