Padilla Announces More Than $233 Million for Low- and Zero-Emission California Commuter Buses

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) July 9 announced that the Department of Transportation or DOT awarded over $233.9 million to 16 California projects to help transition to low- and zero-emission bus models across the state. The funding comes through the Federal Transit Agency’s or FTA Low or No Emission or Low-No grant program and Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities program. Padilla supported the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s substantial increase in funding for these programs.

The Low-No program helps transit agencies buy or lease U.S.-made low- or no-emission buses and make critical facility, station, and charging upgrades to facilitate this transition. The Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities program provides federal funding for transit agencies to buy and rehabilitate buses and vans and build and modernize bus facilities.

“For too long, communities along busy transit corridors — especially lower income communities — have felt the impact of poor air quality,” said Senator Padilla. “This substantial investment in the transition to low- and zero-emission buses will protect public health and promote a cleaner commute for millions of Californians. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is not only building a more sustainable, dependable transportation system, but also building the workforce needed to deploy modern technology.”

Local recipients of funding from the Low-No and Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities programs include:

• Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro) — $77.54 million: This funding will help LA Metro buy dozens of battery electric buses and install new chargers at its West Hollywood bus yard, strengthening transit service while making environmental and air quality improvements. The buses will run on multiple lines and enhance access and mobility with direct access to all Metro rail lines.

Details: The full list of awards for California is available here.