U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Announces $3 Million for New Zero-Emission Electric Buses, Charging Station in Nashville

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced just over $3 million to help the Nashville Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (MTA) purchase new zero emissions electric buses and install an electric charging station at Riverfront Station, a popular transit hub for workers and tourists traveling to downtown destinations.  Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff traveled to Nashville today to participate in the announcement on behalf of the department.  He was joined by Mayor Karl Dean, Tennessee Transportation Commissioner John Schroer, MTA Board Chair Thomas "Freddie" O'Connell, MTA Chief Executive Officer Paul Ballard and other local officials.

"In Tennessee and across the country, President Obama is committed to investing in sustainable transportation systems that improve access to jobs, education, and medical care for millions of riders, while bringing cleaner air to our communities and reducing our dependence on oil," said Secretary LaHood. "These projects will also help transit agencies operate more efficiently, so they save money in the long run."

The project is one of 27 projects across the country selected to receive $59.3 million in funds through the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) FY 2012 Clean Fuels Grant Program. This program is aimed at purchasing cleaner, greener buses that reduce harmful emissions and improve fuel economy while also delivering a more comfortable, reliable ride for passengers. The funds will help achieve President Obama's goal of an independent and secure energy future.  

"As more and more Americans choose to ride the bus to work in Nashville and elsewhere, it's good to know that they can depend on vehicles that won't pollute the neighborhood while also helping us to achieve greater energy independence," said FTA Administrator Rogoff. "By investing in these clean-fuel projects today, we're helping to ensure that transit service is good for the environment for years to come."

Demand for FY 2012 funding was competitive, with FTA receiving 146 project applications totaling $516 million. A list of all 27 project selections, and a related map, can be found here: http://www.fta.dot.gov/grants_14835.html.

In FY 2010 and FY 2011, FTA's Clean Fuels Program awarded $89.7 million for 36 projects and $62.8 million for 29 projects, respectively. This year's projects were competitively selected based on their ability to help communities achieve or maintain the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone and carbon monoxide while supporting emerging clean fuel and advanced propulsion technologies for transit buses.