GREAT NEWS – our bus fleet will get a huge upgrade thanks to a grant from Federal Transit Administration (FTA) ! Investing in buses will mean better service, lower emissions and more American jobs. RVTD will receive nearly $4 million in funding to buy diesel-electric hybrid transit buses to replace aging buses. The buses will help RVTD meet fleet resiliency needs and service their rural community.
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Securing this funding was in large part thanks to the work of Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley. “As climate chaos intensifies, we must act boldly and quickly to transition to clean and renewable strategies,” Senator Merkley said “Low- and no-emission buses mean better health for our communities and less pollution in the environment. This federal investment will turn regular transit updates into opportunities for safer air and combatting climate chaos.”
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“Energy-efficient public transit systems are a huge step critical to economic growth and combatting climate change in Oregon,” said Senator Wyden.
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This FTA funding is part of the Low- or No-Emission Grant Program and the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Competitive Program. These grants support projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector; incorporate evidence-based climate resilience measures and features; avoid adverse environmental impacts to air or water quality, wetlands, and endangered species; and address the disproportionate negative environmental impacts of transportation on disadvantaged communities.
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“We want to thank Senator Merkley and Senator Wyden for considering RVTD’s ability to provide public transportation during natural disasters such as the Almeda Fire. These six Hybrid-Electric Diesel buses will run on 100% renewable diesel fuel, replacing older traditional diesel and CNG buses. These new buses will allow RVTD to continue operations if the electrical grid is compromised,” said Julie Brown, General Manager, RVTD.