Funding provided through Federal Transit Administration’s Low or No Emission Grant Program
Washington (July 9, 2024) -- Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), along with Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Governor Maura Healey, and Representatives Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), and Bill Keating (MA-09) today announced nearly $60 million in funding for communities in Massachusetts to transition to low- or zero-emission buses. Converting to low- or no-emission buses will upgrade bus fleets, reduce transit systems’ reliance on fossil fuels, and reduce diesel-related air pollution along major transit corridors for Black, Brown, and low-income communities who disproportionately bear environmental health burdens from transportation emissions.
$40 million in funding was awarded to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to purchase battery-electric buses that will be housed in the modernized Quincy Bus Maintenance Facility, which follows a $116 million grant to the MBTA to support battery-electric buses in August 2022. In total, the MBTA has received more than $150 million in federal funding to support their conversion to battery-electric buses.
The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority will also receive $14.6 million in funding to support the transition to zero-emission buses for communities on Cape Cod. In partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority also received $3.8 million to support the purchase of 4 battery-electric buses for their fleet.
“Electric buses will transport us to a greener, more livable future,” said Senator Markey. “By securing these federal investments, Massachusetts is taking a big step towards a zero-emission transportation system across the state. Electric buses not only eliminate emissions but improve air quality for places such as Quincy and Cape Cod, all while transporting people to their everyday needs. It’s a win-win-win.”
“Cleaner air, good-paying jobs, and new transit options - that’s what electric buses mean for Massachusetts. As we step up our efforts to fight climate change, this funding will reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and create more sustainable communities,” said Senator Warren.
"The transportation sector is one of the largest contributors of greenhouse gas emissions. It's essential that we electrify our fleet to meet our climate goals and improve service for riders,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This funding will be a critical boost for the MBTA, Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority, and Vineyard Transit Authority’s efforts to transition to low- and zero-emission buses, and we're grateful to the Biden-Harris administration and our Congressional delegation for making this possible," said Governor Healey.
“With communities of color in the Massachusetts 7th bearing the brunt of environmental and transit injustice, transitioning to low- or zero-emission buses in the Commonwealth will help right these wrongs while also confronting the climate crisis,” said Congresswoman Pressley (MA-07). “These are the type of intersectional investments we need and I’m glad to see these federal dollars coming back to Massachusetts.”
“I’m proud of the efforts of the MBTA team submitting a strong application and thankful for the federal support with this significant award that prioritizes the transition of our bus fleet to battery-electric vehicles and supports our wider sustainability goal to reduce our carbon footprint,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “Under the leadership of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, we continue to be aggressive in seeking all available federal discretionary funds – these funds are an important part of our wider efforts to deliver safe, reliable, and improved transit for the public. We appreciate the support of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, congressional delegation, local officials, and the many riders who will benefit from these battery electric buses.”
“We are pleased to provide federal support to MBTA, CCRTA and VTA to buy electric and hybrid buses, which will help Boston-area transit systems continue to create opportunities that change people’s lives while reducing their environmental footprint,” said FTA Regional Administrator Peter Butler. “With these new buses, the agencies will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality and create good-paying jobs.”
This funding comes through the Federal Transit Administration’s Low or No Emission Grant Program. Since 2022, Massachusetts has received $280 million in federal funding for low- or no-emission buses. In Fiscal Year 2023 funding, four Regional Transit Authorities (RTA) in Massachusetts received a total of $31.3 million, and in Fiscal Year 2022, six RTAs received nearly $189 million, including $116 million for the MBTA.
In April 2024, Senator Markey and the congressional delegation celebrated Massachusetts receiving $550 million in federal funding to expand public transit through the Federal Transit Authority (FTA) in the 2024 fiscal year. Last month, Senator Markey and the delegation secured $22.4 million for the MBTA to make improvements to bus service in Everett and Boston. In March 2024, Senator Markey and the Massachusetts delegation announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation will provide $335 million in funding for Allston’s I-90 project, and in May 2024 the delegation celebrated $67 million in funding to make 14 Green Line stations fully accessible. In September 2023, Senator Markey celebrated the announcement of a $108 million grant for eventual West-East passenger train service running through Boston, Worcester, and Western Massachusetts.
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