The U.S. Department of Transportation has granted approximately $35.6 million in additional funding to East Bay transit agencies to strengthen their fleets with no- and low-emission buses. The Federal Transit Administration programs are distributing about $20.6 million to the Western Contra Costa Transit Authority and $15 million to the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District for this purpose. In total, California will receive around $198 million, benefiting 117 transit projects across 47 states. The focus of this funding is to support the replacement of older diesel buses with hydrogen fuel cell buses by WestCAT and AC Transit, as well as to expand the infrastructure for hydrogen fueling and maintenance. Additionally, workforce training will be enhanced to facilitate the transition to entirely zero-emission fleets for these agencies. The move towards low- and zero-emission transit fleets is expected to have a positive impact on air quality in the region, particularly benefiting lower-income communities. U.S. Senator Alex Padilla emphasized the importance of this investment in promoting cleaner commutes and protecting public health. The funding originates from the Federal Transit Administration's Low or No Emission grant program and Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities program, which provide support for the purchase and rehabilitation of buses, modernization of facilities, and acquisition of low- or no-emission vehicles. Overall, this initiative seeks to modernize buses in the East Bay, reduce air pollution, and contribute to a more sustainable transit system.