Biden’s Transport Department awards $1.7B for eco-friendly buses in 46 US regions.

The U.S. Department of Transport (DOT) is making a big move towards a greener future by awarding grants for new electric and low-emission buses in 46 U.S. states and territories. And the total amount? A whopping $1.7 billion!

This exciting funding opportunity is made possible through the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), a $1.2 trillion bill that aims to improve public transit programs. President Joe Biden has been a strong advocate for the IIJA as part of his “Build Back Better” agenda, with a focus on increasing the number of electric vehicles on the road.

With this generous grant, 1,700 U.S.-built buses will hit the streets, with nearly half of them producing zero-carbon emissions. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “These are unprecedented levels of investment when it comes to putting modern, cleaner buses on the road.”

This is the second round of funding for buses and their supporting infrastructure under the IIJA, with a total of $3.3 billion already invested in low-emission bus projects. The government plans to award approximately $5 billion more over the next three years.

The Biden administration believes that these zero- and low-emission buses will not only improve public health by reducing diesel exhaust but also be easier to maintain. However, not everyone was on board with the IIJA. Some Republicans criticized the bill for its high cost and allocation of funds to less traditional forms of infrastructure, such as expanding broadband access.

Despite the opposition, the Transportation Department received an overwhelming number of project proposals, totaling $8.7 billion. While only 130 projects were awarded grants, it’s clear that many localities are eager to benefit from this substantial funding source.

Where Grants Are Going

The grants were distributed across various states, including Alabama, California, Florida, and Hawaii. The District of Columbia also received funding for their projects.