On Friday, August 24, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao announced Lextran will receive a $2.3 million grant to replace aging diesel buses in their fleet.
The award for Lextran comes as part of $84.45 million in grant selections nationwide also announced through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s highly competitive Low- or No-Emission Grant Program (Low-No).
“The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded a $2.3 million grant to improve the quality of life and access to transportation for this community,” said Secretary Chao. Lextran will use the grant funds to replace diesel buses — which are beyond their useful life – with long-range, no-emissions Gillig electric buses. Overnight charging of the vehicles will take place at Lextran’s facility on Loudon Avenue. “Lextran is excited to be a leader in electric bus technology,” said Carrie Butler, Lextran General Manager. “The announcement from Secretary Chao comes at an important time for Lextran’s future.”
At the end of the year, about forty-two percent of Lextran’s current fleet will be at or beyond its useful life. With this grant award, Lextran will partner with a non-profit research organization to assess the operational benefits of electric buses, which will inform the wider transit industry. It is one of 52 projects in 41 states that will receive funding.
