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Low- or No-Emission Bus Grants


Stored: Low- or No-Emission Bus Grants

Low- or No-Emission Bus Grants
Type Program
Sponsor Organization Federal Transit Administration
Top Organization Department of Transportation
Creation Legislation Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act
Website Website
Purpose To support transit agencies in purchasing or leasing zero-emission and low-emission buses, including related facilities and equipment, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and transition to cleaner transportation options.[1]
Program Start 2015
Initial Funding
Duration Indefinite
Historic No

Low- or No-Emission Bus Grants (LoNo Program) provides financial assistance to transit agencies for acquiring zero-emission and low-emission buses, including funding for necessary facilities and equipment. This program aims to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, enhance public health by improving air quality, and facilitate the shift to sustainable public transportation.[2]

Official Site

Goals

  • Transition to zero-emission and low-emission transit fleets.[3]
  • Reduce environmental impact and improve air quality in communities.
  • Support the development of charging or fueling infrastructure for alternative fuel buses.

Organization

Managed by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) within the U.S. Department of Transportation, the LoNo Program operates through competitive grants. The program is led by the Director of the Office of Research, Demonstration, and Innovation at FTA, with oversight from various FTA offices involved in grant management and transit policy.

The leader of the program holds the title/position of **Director of the Office of Research, Demonstration, and Innovation**.

Partners

  • No specific partnerships are listed, but the program collaborates with transit agencies and local governments.

History

The LoNo Program was established by the **Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act** in 2015, focusing on reducing emissions from public transit vehicles. It has grown in scope and funding with subsequent legislation, notably with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) in 2021, which significantly increased its funding to support the transition to clean transit. Key historical events include annual funding allocations and the announcement of project selections that have progressively expanded the reach of low- and no-emission bus fleets across the U.S.

Funding

While specific initial funding amounts are not detailed, the program has seen significant funding increases, with billions allocated under the IIJA for supporting low- and no-emission bus deployments. Grants are awarded through a competitive process based on project merit, environmental impact, and community benefits.

Implementation

Implementation involves:

  • Issuing Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for competitive grants.
  • Evaluating applications based on criteria like emissions reduction, cost-effectiveness, and service improvement.
  • Monitoring and reporting on the performance and environmental benefits of funded projects.

The program is designed to continue supporting the transition to clean transit indefinitely.

Related

External links

Social media

  • No specific social media accounts for this program; follow the U.S. Department of Transportation for updates.

References

  1. ↑ "Low or No Emission Grant Program (5339(c))". https://www.transit.dot.gov/funding/grants/low-or-no-emission-grant-program-5339c. Retrieved January 30, 2025. 
  2. ↑ "Low or No Emission Grant Program (5339(c))". https://www.transit.dot.gov/funding/grants/low-or-no-emission-grant-program-5339c. Retrieved January 30, 2025. 
  3. ↑ "Low or No Emission Grant Program (5339(c))". https://www.transit.dot.gov/funding/grants/low-or-no-emission-grant-program-5339c. Retrieved January 30, 2025. 
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