Cleveland RTA Wins $10.6M Grant For Electric Buses

Cleveland RTA Wins $10.6M Grant For Electric Buses. The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) has secured a significant federal grant of $10.6 million to purchase and deploy new electric buses in underserved, high-ridership areas. This initiative, announced on Tuesday by federal officials, is part of a broader effort to enhance public transportation while addressing environmental concerns and social equity.

Federal Grant To Support Cleveland Public Transit

The $10.6 million grant, awarded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), is designated for replacing some of the RTA’s aging diesel buses with new electric ones. Additionally, the grant will fund the installation of charging stations for these vehicles, ensuring they can be efficiently integrated into the existing transit system. The FTA’s announcement was part of a larger $1.5 billion allocation for 117 projects across the United States, including four in Ohio.

Impact On Cleveland Public Transit System

While specific details about the number of buses to be purchased, the timeline for deployment, and the exact routes they will serve are still pending, the impact on Cleveland’s transit system is expected to be substantial. The RTA’s electric vehicle pilot project will be managed out of the Hayden Garage in East Cleveland, focusing on areas with higher rates of poverty and unemployment.

U.S. Representative Shontel Brown, a Democrat from Warrensville Heights, expressed strong support for the project in an April letter accompanying the RTA’s grant application. She highlighted the initiative’s potential to increase the safety and reliability of the RTA’s transit system while demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship and community service.

Laying The Groundwork For A Zero-Emission Future

The RTA’s electric bus initiative is more than just an upgrade to the city’s public transportation; it is a crucial step toward a broader transition to zero-emission vehicles. The project will gather data to inform and support the expansion of Cleveland’s electric bus fleet in the future. According to Rep. Brown, this initiative will set a precedent for future investments in sustainable transportation infrastructure, contributing to a cleaner and more equitable transit system.

Federal And Local Support For The Initiative

The announcement of the grant was met with enthusiasm from both federal and local officials. U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown expressed her excitement about the project, emphasizing the importance of investing in public transit as a means of promoting fairness, equity, and mobility for all.

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, also a Cleveland Democrat, praised the grant in a statement, noting that the investment would result in pollution-free buses and improved service for Ohioans who rely on public transportation for their daily commute. He also acknowledged the role of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in connecting communities and facilitating easier movement across Ohio.

Other Ohio Transit Authorities Receive Grants

The Cleveland RTA is not the only transit authority in Ohio to benefit from federal grant money. Three other Ohio transit authorities have also received substantial funding for their projects:

• Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA): Over $22.8 million to purchase new electric and fuel-cell buses to replace aging natural-gas buses and to install hydrogen fueling infrastructure. This aligns with COTA’s goal of achieving a zero-emission bus fleet by 2035.
• Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA): Nearly $17.3 million to enhance infrastructure for its fuel cell bus fleet and operations facilities.
• Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA): Approximately $1.3 million to upgrade its bus barn in Mahoning County, including installing solar panels, setting up electric bus chargers, and improving the fire-suppression system.

These investments collectively represent a significant step forward in Ohio’s commitment to sustainable, reliable, and equitable public transportation.

Conclusion

The $10.6 million grant awarded to the Greater Cleveland RTA marks a pivotal moment in the city’s public transit evolution. By transitioning to electric buses, Cleveland is not only modernizing its transportation infrastructure but also making strides toward environmental sustainability and social equity. As the RTA prepares to roll out its electric bus pilot project, the city and its residents can look forward to a cleaner, more reliable transit system that serves all communities more effectively.