The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced $55 million in federal grant funding to improve 10 bus systems across the country. One of those is the MBTA’s Silver Line, another is the Worcester Regional Transit Authority.
“The Obama Administration is committed to investing in 21st century transportation solutions like these zero emission buses,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx in a statement. “These innovative, energy-efficient buses will help increase efficiency, improve air quality and reduce our nation’s dependence on oil.”
According to the FTA, Central Mass.’s transit funding will be put towards “a Proterra charging station for its existing fleet of zero-emission battery-electric buses.” Back in May, the WRTA used $7 million in funding from each the federal and state governments to compile a fleet of electrically powered buses.
The latest funding amounts to just over $1 million.
The MBTA, which has been criticized as of late for its inability to operate to its full capacity due to the recent inclement weather, will receive roughly $4.1 million to be allocated for Silver Line improvements which include weather service.
According to the FTA, the MBTA will use the funds to develop and deploy five 60-foot articulated New Flyer battery-electric buses.”
The zero-emission buses will have improved performance on ice and snow-covered roads, which any Bostonian will gladly tell you is paramount this time of year.
News of the funding comes just hours after Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker announced $40 million in proposed budget cuts for the state’s transportation system that he pledges will not affect the MBTA.
“Based on the conversations we’ve had with the leadership at the T and at [the Department of] Transportation, the proposals that we’re pursuing here, if the Legislature approves them, won’t have any impact on service,” he said, according to the Boston Globe.
It’s unclear at this time where exactly the cuts will be made.
