SunLine Transit Agency Awarded $14,966,050 in Grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration

Grant Funding will Help Pay for and Expand Transit Services in the Coachella Valley

(Thousand Palms) – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration announced $1.66 billion in grants to transit agencies across the country to invest in 150 bus fleets and facilities. SunLine Transit Agency was among the grant recipients – being awarded $14,966,050, which is the largest project award the Agency has won in a cycle.

The first grant – in the amount of $7,819,257.00 – is for 3 fuel cell electric buses and the expansion of SunLine’s H2 fueling. The second, totaling $7,146,793.00, is for all-battery electric buses and charging infrastructure.

“This revenue will help pay for and expand transit services for our customers,” said Lauren Skiver, CEO/General Manager of SunLine Transit Agency. “I couldn't be prouder of our team, as this organization continues to make history being recognized for its approach to transit service delivery and its work in zero emission technology.”

These grants will be instrumental in advancing zero-emissions technology, which reduces air pollution and helps meet the President Biden’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. This year’s funding alone will nearly double the number of no-emission transit buses on America’s roadways. For the first time, five percent of low- and no-emission bus funding will be used to train transit workers on how to maintain and operate new clean bus technology.

“We’re helping communities across America – in cities, suburbs, and rural areas alike – purchase more than 1,800 new buses, and most of them are zero-emission,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Funded through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this announcement means more good jobs for people across the country, cleaner air in our communities, and more affordable and reliable options to help people get to where they need to go.”

“When a transit door opens, whether it is a bus, train, or ferry, it is a great equalizer for everyone in our nation,” said FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez. “With this tremendous amount of funding, the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law gives more Americans access to the opportunities that transit creates, more often, in more places. These investments also help us meet our goals of cutting transportation emissions, creating good-paying American manufacturing jobs, and helping America’s transit workers prepare for new vehicle technology.”

FTA’s Low or No Emission (Low-No) Grant Program makes funding available to help transit agencies buy or lease U.S.-built low- or no-emission vehicles, including related equipment or facilities. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $5.5 billion over five years for the Low-No Program – more than six times greater than the previous five years of funding. For Fiscal Year 2022, approximately $1.1 billion was available for grants under this program.

FTA’s Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program supports transit agencies in buying and rehabilitating buses and vans and building bus maintenance facilities. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides nearly $2 billion over five years for the program. For Fiscal Year 2022, approximately $550 million for grants was available under this program.

For more information about projects funded by these grants, go to https://www.transit.dot.gov/funding/grants/fy22-fta-bus-and-low-and-no-emission-grant-awards. Visit SunLine.org to learn more about SunLine Transit Agency.