Washington State Transit Agencies Receive Funding for Zero-Emission Buses
Key Ideas
- Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Washington state transit agencies receive over $47.2M in funding to purchase electric and hydrogen fuel cell buses.
- Pierce Transit, King County Metro, Link Transit, and WSDOT are among the recipients, allowing for the expansion of zero-emission fleets and facility renovations.
- Island Transit plans to purchase 12 hydrogen fuel cell buses to replace diesel buses on Whidbey Island, pending confidence in fuel supply, despite local infrastructure challenges.
- In a separate grant, the Washington/Oregon I-5 Bridge replacement project receives significant funding, with discussions including concerns over bridge design and toll financing.
The Federal Transit Administration has allocated $1.5 billion nationwide for bus transit, with Washington state operators receiving approximately $47.2 million. Recipients include Pierce Transit, receiving funds for battery electric buses and charging equipment. King County Metro will use the grant to purchase battery electric buses and provide worker training. Link Transit plans to replace aging gas-powered buses with new battery electric buses. WSDOT is set to renovate maintenance facilities and buy new buses for Grays Harbor, Clallam Transit, and Island Transit. Notably, Island Transit is preparing to purchase 12 hydrogen fuel cell buses for Whidbey Island, despite concerns about the local infrastructure's ability to provide green hydrogen. The project highlights the shift towards sustainable transportation. Separately, the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project on I-5 receives a substantial grant, sparking discussions on bridge design, toll financing, and environmental considerations.
Topics
Public Transit
Infrastructure
Funding
Zero-emission Vehicles
Public Transportation
Grants
Transit Agencies
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