Application period now open for $1.7 billion to support fleet modernization efforts and deploy clean transit buses
Applications due April 13, 2023
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is now accepting applications under two programs that support state and local capital projects to update transit fleets with low- and no-emission buses, renovate and construct bus facilities, and support workforce development programs. Applicants are welcome to apply to either or both programs below but must submit a separate application package for each opportunity.
Eligible applicants include direct or designated recipients of FTA grants; states; local governmental authorities; and Indian Tribes.
FTA’s Low or No Emission (Low-No) Program helps transit agencies buy or lease U.S.-built zero and low-emission transit buses along with charging equipment and supporting facilities. The program supports the transition of the nation’s transit fleet to the lowest polluting and most energy-efficient vehicles.
FTA’s Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program supports transit agencies in buying and rehabilitating buses, vans, and related equipment and building bus facilities. The goal of this program is to assist with financing buses and bus facilities projects.
Eligible project activities
- Purchasing or leasing low- or no-emission buses
- Acquiring low- or no-emission buses with a leased power source
- Constructing or leasing facilities and related equipment (including intelligent technology and software) for low- or no-emission buses
- Constructing new public transportation facilities to accommodate low- or no-emission buses
- Rehabilitating or improving existing public transportation facilities to accommodate low- or no-emission buses
- Additionally, 0.5% of a request may be for workforce development training, and a further 0.5% may be for training at the National Transit Institute (NTI). Applicants proposing any project related to zero-emission vehicles must also spend 5% of their award on workforce development and training.
The FTA Funding Opportunity Announcement for both programs defines a low- or no-emission bus as “a passenger vehicle used to provide public transportation that sufficiently reduces energy consumption or harmful emissions, including direct carbon emissions, when compared to a standard vehicle.” Examples of zero-emission bus technologies include, but are not limited to, hydrogen fuel cell buses and battery electric buses, while low-emission bus technologies may include compressed natural gas (CNG) buses and hybrid electric buses.
More information
FTA hosted a webinar on Thursday, February 16, 2023, on this NOFO. The webinar provided an overview of the programs, described eligible applicants and projects, provided an overview of the evaluation criteria and selection considerations, and information on the submission process. Watch the recording or view the presentation. FTA will host a second webinar on Tuesday, February 28, from 1:00-2:30 pm CT. This session will include a Q&A session focused on questions from rural and tribal applicants.
Proposals must be submitted electronically through the Grants.Gov website by 10:59 pm CT on April 13, 2023.
Please contact us if we can help with a project idea or if you have questions about either program.
