New $25M federal grant will help replace aging vehicles currently used on RIPTA bus routes with up to 25 new clean energy buses
WASHINGTON, DC — In an effort to strengthen public transportation, reduce pollution, and lower costs, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representatives Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo today announced that Rhode Island will soon receive $25 million in Low or No Emission Grant Program funding to support the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority’s (RIPTA) transition to low- or zero-emission buses.
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is awarding Rhode Island the federal funding through the Low or No Emission Grant, which provides federal funding through a competitive process to states and transit agencies to purchase or lease low- or no-emission buses and other transit vehicles that use advanced technologies such as battery electric or fuel-cell power to provide cleaner, more energy efficient transit service in communities across the country.
RIPTA’s new electric bus fleet will provide modern, sustainable, and emissions-free transportation for riders across the state.
The funds are being made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (P.L. 117-58), which Senators Reed and Whitehouse helped pass in 2022.
“This federal funding will help shift RIPTA’s bus fleet to newer, more energy-efficient buses, resulting in reliable rides, cleaner air, and lower costs for taxpayers,” said Senator Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee who has successfully led bipartisan efforts to plus up the Low-No Emissions Bus Grant Program. “I am committed to delivering federal resources to help steer us toward a cleaner energy future with less pollution and more convenient and efficient public transportation options.”
“This federal funding will support RIPTA’s transition to a modernized hybrid fleet,” saidSenator Whitehouse, Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. “Our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to make smart investments in public transportation that move the Ocean State toward a clean energy future.”
“This federal funding for RIPTA to transition to low- or no-emission fleets means lower costs for travelers, cleaner air, and more energy-efficient systems,” said Rep. Magaziner. “I am proud to assist in this transition and make Rhode Island cleaner, more affordable, and better connected.”
“Investing in energy-efficient buses will help Rhode Island do its part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improve public health, and support our clean energy future,” said Congressman Amo. “I’m thrilled this new federal funding will help RIPTA reduce costs and expand its energy-efficient fleet.”
“On behalf of the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to our congressional delegation for their unwavering support and tireless advocacy of public transit,” said RIPTA Chief Executive Officer Christopher Durand. “This vital $25 million federal investment will help fund our vision for a modern, sustainable transit system while improving the passenger experience, supporting cleaner air, and delivering meaningful benefits to communities across Rhode Island.”
With this latest grant, RIPTA has now been awarded over $77 million in federal competitive grants since 2020 to make capital investments in upgrading its clean energy fleet of buses and charging infrastructure.
RIPTA operates a fleet of about 230 fixed-route buses and continues to actively transition its fleet to include more sustainable, zero-emission vehicles.
