The funding from the grant will be used to
- replace aging buses with battery electric and hydrogen fuel-cell buses,
- install new infrastructure needed for bus charging/fueling and maintenance, and
- assist in workforce development by training transit personnel to maintain the new fleet.
Today, Mayor Kate Gallego and members of the city council expressed their support and gratitude for the federal funding, and how this is a win in moving towards implementing a cleaner and greener bus fleet.
“Phoenix is a leader in fighting climate change, and we are on our way to becoming the world’s most sustainable desert city. This grant is adding to that success, increasing our ability to purchase clean vehicles and invest in needed infrastructure. A big thank you to Congressmen Greg Stanton and Ruben Gallego for their leadership and partnership in securing these funds,” said Mayor Kate Gallego.
“Phoenix is leading the way to an even greener fleet that is not only sustainable, but also equitable for the riders who depend on public transit across greater Phoenix,” states Vice Mayor Laura Pastor.
“This grant gives Phoenix the opportunity to become a leader in green public transit, including developing the technology, infrastructure and training to support these advancements,” notes Councilmember Debra Stark, Chair of the Transportation, Infrastructure and Planning Subcommittee.
“As the chair of the Mayor’s Electric Vehicle Ad Hoc Committee and a vocal clean transit advocate, we have worked to take advantage of every opportunity to fast-track our mission of transitioning our vehicles to low and zero emission,” said Councilwoman Yassamin Ansari. “This is the best way to tackle harmful air pollution and to ensure we can build a sustainable future for all, especially those who rely on public transit,” she added.
“Equipping our fleet with zero- and low-emission buses allows us to continue efforts in providing our riders an efficient and green way to get where they need to go,” says Phoenix Public Transit Director Jesús Sapien. “We know public transit is a critical component of our community, and this grant further amplifies our ability to modernize our public transportation infrastructure.”
Currently, Phoenix Public Transit has a fleet of 500 heavy-duty buses that run on alternative fuels including natural gas and biodiesel. This grant provides additional resources to add cleaner energy buses to the existing fleet. The new/greener buses are anticipated to hit the road in 2024.
About the Phoenix Public Transit Department: The Phoenix Public Transit Department provides Phoenix residents a variety of transit options and is the largest member of the Valley Metro regional transit system. Services range from local and commuter buses to alternative transportation for senior citizens and special needs. The City of Phoenix funds public transit, and other transportation improvements, through Transportation 2050 (T2050) – a local sales tax approved by Phoenix voters in 2015 – as well as county and federal funds. T2050 allows for enhanced bus service, transit-related technology improvements and fare media upgrades under the leadership of the Citizens Transportation Commission.
