Federal funds to add more battery-electric buses to King County Metro’s fleet

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will provide King County Metro with $6.7 million to fund battery-electric bus purchases and worker training to maintain the new fleet, furthering the agency’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as guided by King County’s Strategic Climate Action Plan (SCAP).

The news builds on a string of recent advances related to Metro’s plan to transition to a 100% zero-emission fleet, including an order for 89 battery-electric buses from GILLIG, construction on Metro’s first all-electric bus base and extensive planning efforts for future base conversions.

According to the FTA’s broader announcement on July 9, $1.5 billion in nationwide transit funding, “will help transit agencies serve more riders, reduce air pollution and train workers on new technologies.”

---

The following news release was originally posted on U.S. Senator Patty Murray’s webpage.

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (D, WA-02), Ranking Member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, announced over $47 million in federal funding for six local transit systems across Washington state to purchase new low- and zero-emission buses—including battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell buses, to replace diesel-powered buses—as well as help upgrade bus facilities and invest in worker training.

The funding for six local transit systems is being distributed via two grant programs at the Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA): the Low- or No-Emission Grant Program, which helps transit agencies buy or lease U.S.-built zero-emission and low-emission transit buses along with charging equipment and supporting facilities, and the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program, which supports transit agencies in buying and rehabilitating buses and vans and building bus facilities. These programs were funded in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law both Murray and Cantwell were instrumental in passing. In Fiscal Year 2024, $1.1 billion was provided for the Low- or No-Emission Grant Program and $390 million for the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program. In total, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided more than $7.5 billion over five years for these programs to help transit agencies replace aging fleets, improve reliability, and reduce harmful emissions. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law also included Senator Murray’s Clean School Bus Act, which provided $5 billion in funding for low- and zero-emission school buses and has, so far, awarded almost $3 billion to fund approximately 8,500 school bus replacements at over 1,000 schools.

In Washington state, the following awards were announced:

$14,959,971 for Island Transit on Whidbey Island to buy hydrogen fuel cell buses, which will replace diesel buses on Whidbey Island. This project will advance Island Transit’s plan to transition their entire fixed-route fleet to zero-emission vehicles on both Whidbey and Camano Islands. The award comes through FTA’s Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“With nearly $15 million coming to Island Transit from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for clean, hydrogen fuel cell buses, folks on Whidbey Island will be breathing cleaner, less polluted air—that really matters,” said Senator Murray. “Clean buses are a huge improvement over diesel buses—they’re better for the environment, better for public health, and they save local transit agencies money on fuel. This is a big win for Island County, and I’m proud to have helped make it happen.”

“Island Transit operates in a unique rural environment serving residents of Whidbey and Camano Island. This funding will be used to purchase 12 new hydrogen fuel cell buses that will help advance Island Transit’s zero-emission goals while providing cleaner and more efficient public transit options for residents,” said Senator Cantwell.

“Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Island Transit has the funding it needs to purchase clean buses and fueling infrastructure for its fleet, enabling more people to get to and from jobs, school, the store and recreation opportunities in Island County,” said Rep. Larsen, the lead Democrat on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. “The BIL continues to create jobs and invest in cleaner, greener, safer and more accessible transportation for communities in Northwest Washington and across the country.”

$6,680,083 for King County Metro Transit in Seattle to buy battery electric buses and continue its worker training to maintain the new fleet. This project furthers Metro’s plan to transition to a fully zero-emission fleet by 2035, powered by Seattle City Light’s renewable energy. The award comes through FTA’s Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“I’m thrilled that King County Metro will receive nearly $7 million to buy new electric buses and invest in worker training to maintain its new fleet,” said Senator Murray. “This funding will get King County Metro closer to their goal of a fully zero-emission fleet by 2035, and will mean cleaner air for commuters and folks everywhere in King County. I pushed hard to make sure the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law included major investments in zero-emissions buses, and this announcement is another exciting step forward.”

“As the largest transit agency in the Northwest, King County Metro has been a leader in providing safe and sustainable transportation to a growing population. With this funding, King County Metro will purchase five electric buses and train workers on electric bus maintenance to help modernize our transit system, reduce emissions, and support our commitment to a cleaner, healthier future for our community,” said Senator Cantwell.

$4,462,500 for Link Transit in Chelan and Douglas Counties to buy battery electric buses, replacing gas-powered buses that have exceeded their useful life. The new buses will be more reliable and easier to maintain, lower fueling costs, reduce air pollution, and improve service throughout North Central Washington. The award comes through FTA’s Low- or No-Emission Grant Program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“It’s exciting to see over $4 million heading Chelan and Douglas counties to replace old diesel buses with new electric models—reducing pollution, lowering fuel costs, and improving service for folks who rely on our bus system to get them where they need to go,” said Senator Murray. “Electric buses are truly a win-win—that’s why I fought to fund these programs when we were passing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and am working hard to make sure Washington state gets its fair share of funding.”

“As Chelan and Douglas Counties’ population and employment rates continue to grow, upgrading our public transportation infrastructure for the future is critical. This investment to purchase five electric buses to replace old gas shuttles underscores our commitment to clean energy and provides our community with modern, environmentally friendly transit options,” said Senator Cantwell.

$3,655,000 for the Clallam Transit System in Port Angeles to buy buses to replace heavy-duty buses that have surpassed their useful life. The new vehicles, including several for the agency’s paratransit fleet, will be more efficient and reliable. The award comes through FTA’s Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“This funding will help Clallam Transit to replace old buses that shouldn’t be on the roads anymore, and invest in new and more efficient vehicles to the tune of $3.6 million. Folks in Clallam County deserve reliable public transit, including buses, and I’m glad the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law we worked hard to pass will deliver new funding to help make that possible,” said Senator Murray.

“As Clallam Transit’s ridership continues to expand, we need to ensure its fleet can accommodate the growth. This funding to purchase five new buses and five new paratransit vehicles will upgrade the agency’s aging fleet while also providing more safe and efficient transportation options for Clallam County residents with disabilities,” said Senator Cantwell.

$14,784,753 for Pierce Transit in Pierce County to buy new battery electric buses and install new charging equipment. This project will improve efficiency and help facilitate expansion of Pierce Transit’s zero-emission fleet. The award comes through FTA’s Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“I’m excited to announce nearly $15 million for Pierce Transit to get new electric buses and expand its charging infrastructure—this is a huge deal for Pierce Transit and everyone who calls Pierce County home,” said Senator Murray. “This funding will go a long way toward helping Pierce Transit expand its zero-emission fleet and will mean cleaner air for commuters, lower fuel costs for Pierce Transit, and a more sustainable bus fleet. I worked hard to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including pushing for major investments in clean buses, because I knew it would deliver in a big way for every community in Washington state—that’s what we’re seeing today.”

“Pierce Transit is on a mission to electrify its fleet, and this funding will go a long way toward helping the agency reach its zero-emission goals. With this funding, Pierce Transit will purchase four electric buses and charging infrastructure that will help modernize the fleet, extend the lifespan of the new buses, and enhance the ridership experience while reducing our carbon footprint,” said Senator Cantwell.

$2,639,564 for Grays Harbor Transit to renovate an aging maintenance and operations facility in Hoquiam, WA. Improvements will include upgrading parking areas, installing new surfacing, and enhancing the roof. The award comes through FTA’s Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“This new funding I’m proud to announce will help Grays Harbor Transit renovate its maintenance and operations facility in Hoquiam, which is in need of repairs—this is exactly why we passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and why I’m continuing to work to make sure those dollars get out to every corner of our state,” said Senator Murray. “This grant will help make sure employees have a safe place to work every day and ensure the agency can better serve residents of Grays Harbor.”

“As Grays Harbor Transit’s fleet continues to age, upgrading maintenance infrastructure is necessary to extend the useful life of current and future buses. This funding will modernize the agency’s operations and maintenance infrastructure, ensuring a more safe and efficient facility for years to come,” said Senator Cantwell.

---

The following news release was originally posted on the FTA’s webpage:

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced approximately $1.5 billion in funding to support 117 projects that will improve public transportation in 47 states. Under the President’s historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, FTA has awarded nearly $5 billion in the past three years to replace and modernize transit buses on America’s roadways, building new technology with American workers. U.S. factories will produce more than 4,600 of these new buses.

“Today, another 117 communities across 47 states are receiving the good news that their transit buses are being modernized and their commutes improved through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “The Biden-Harris Administration is helping agencies replace old buses running on dirtier, expensive fuels by delivering modern and zero-emission buses, manufactured by American workers, that will connect more people to where they need to go.”

“Investing in low-emission and no-emission transit buses has emerged as a transformational pillar of President Biden’s transportation emissions reductions strategy. This innovative and common-sense approach is already bolstering American manufacturing and creating good-paying union jobs – and it will safeguard the planet for future generations,” said Assistant to the President and National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi. “By modernizing transit with improved clean energy technologies, we will also boost the longevity of our mass transportation system, reduce traffic congestion, and clean up the air we breathe in the neighborhoods and communities that line our roads and highways.”

This funding continues the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic federal investments in the nation’s bus systems and the transit workforce. About 80 percent of the buses being funded will run on zero or low emission technology, reducing air pollution and helping meet the President’s goal of zero emissions by 2050. These programs also advance President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which sets the goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments in climate, clean energy, clean transportation, and other areas flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.

“Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are creating new opportunities to improve the lives of millions of Americans who rely daily on buses,” said FTA Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool. “These grants will help deliver cleaner and greener transportation, designed to reach everyone, and to work for everyone, particularly in places that haven’t received enough resources in the past.”

Federal support for bus projects over the last several years has been instrumental in improving public transit and helping communities advance their climate goals.

For this year’s selections, FTA prioritized awards that will help strengthen U.S. bus manufacturing, stabilize the cost of new buses, and accelerate the delivery of new vehicles. Of the 117 projects selected, 47 projects totaling $817 million are from applicants that committed to procuring standard model buses or using a joint procurement. Buying standardized bus models without customization can shorten manufacturing timelines and contain costs. By prioritizing these awards, FTA is encouraging lower costs and accelerated vehicle delivery that will result in more American-built buses getting on the road faster.

See all FY24 projects here.

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. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides nearly $2 billion through 2026 for the program. For Fiscal Year 2024, approximately $390 million was available for grants under this program.

FTA’s Low-and No-Emission program makes funding available to help transit agencies buy or lease U.S.-built low- or no-emission vehicles, including buses and vans, make facility and station upgrades to accommodate low- or no-emission vehicles, and buy supporting equipment like battery electric charging. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $5.6 billion through 2026 for the Low-No Program – more than ten times greater than the previous five years of funding. For Fiscal Year 2024, approximately $1.1 billion was available for grants under this program.

In addition to investing in the future of transit, the awards announced today also invest in America’s workers. The zero-emission bus grants include support for transit agencies to train their workers to drive and maintain buses powered by new technology.

In response to the Notice of Funding Opportunity, FTA received 477 eligible project proposals totaling $9 billion in requests.