Montgomery News

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny Hoyer, Jamie Raskin and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) on  June 28, 2023 announced $39,863,156 in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding for the University of Maryland, College Park to replace 35 aging diesel transit buses with battery powered electric buses and add charging stations to their fleet. The funding comes through the Federal Transportation Administration’s Low or No Emission (Low-No) Grant program and will reduce fuel use by 99 percent, greenhouse gas emissions by 78 percent and other pollutants by 99 percent while generating direct transit access to 20 historically disadvantaged communities.

Through the same program, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority is receiving $104 million to support the purchase of approximately 100 battery-electric buses and develop a workforce training program for drivers, mechanics and first responders to ensure safe and efficient operations of the fleet.

“Electrified transportation is the future, and the more we incorporate emissions-free vehicles in public transportation, the faster we can achieve our national and local goals to combat climate change, reduce pollution and improve public health. That’s why we fought to boost funding for clean public transit through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,” said the lawmakers. “With these funds, the University of Maryland, College Park will be able to transition to cleaner, greener operations while providing transportation for historically underserved communities. 

The University of Maryland, College Park has one of the largest university-operated transit systems in the country with one million riders each year throughout three Maryland counties and the District of Columbia with direct connections to regional buses and rail networks.

In May, members of the Maryland Delegation wrote a letter of support to the Federal Transit Administration, urging Administrator Nuria Fernandez to consider the University’s application. 

Original source can be found here.