Jul 11, 2024
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded $10.6 million in grant funds to the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) to support an electric vehicle pilot project. The funding to support this award is from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), under the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fiscal Year 2024 Buses & Bus Facilities, and Low & No Emission grant programs.
“This investment will mean new pollution-free buses and better service for Ohioans riding the bus to work or school,” said U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that was passed is connecting communities and making it easier for Ohioans to get around.”
The $10.6 million grant to GCRTA will be used to replace 10 buses in our current fleet with 10 electric vehicles; in addition, the grant also supports the installation of three electric vehicle charging stations.
“I’m very excited for the opportunity to pilot electric vehicles in Greater Cleveland,” said GCRTA Chief Operating Officer, Floun’say R. Caver. “GCRTA will be conducting a Fleet Electrification Study which will guide our pilot program implementation strategy. We anticipate the new buses and infrastructure to be in place by spring of 2027.”
“This $10.6 million grant supports cleaner air, reduced emissions, and the modernization of GCRTA’s bus fleet,” said Congresswoman Shontel Brown. “When we invest in transit, we also invest in greater fairness and equity, supporting mobility for all.”
“The Senator’s and Congresswoman’s leadership regarding the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is catalytic for our country and for the health and economics of Greater Cleveland,” said GCRTA General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, India L. Birdsong Terry. “Senator Brown and Congresswoman Brown have listened and led the effort to invest in zero-emission environmentally friendly buses, thereby elevating our system to the next level.”
Public transit service connects communities and neighborhoods and increases healthy living.