The University of Alabama and the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority have been awarded millions to update their bus fleets with some electric-powered buses.
The transit authority will receive $13.7 million to build a new maintenance facility and buy up to 18 compressed natural gas, hydrogen fuel-cell and battery electric buses and charging equipment. At UA, a nearly $8 million grant will replace up to 10 diesel buses with new electric buses.
The funds are part of $1.6 billion in grants nationwide that are part of the Federal Transit Administration’s Low- and No-Emission and Bus and Bus Facilities programs. It’s part of the new infrastructure law.
UA’s project also includes $2 million in matching funds from the university, making it a $10 million project.
“Modifying the current fleet will allow the Crimson Ride Transit to meet the campus population growth while moving resources where they can be best utilized,” said UA President Stuart Bell. “The transfer to electric buses will reduce emissions and have an immediate impact on our area.”
