For Immediate Release | Contact: Mike Charbonneau, 919-485-7413

Research Triangle Park, NC (Sept. 22, 2017) – GoRaleigh, GoCary, GoTriangle and Chapel Hill Transit were disappointed to learn that their joint application to receive a highly competitive federal grant to buy electric buses was not among the projects chosen, but the collaborative process has better prepared the agencies to explore viable alternatives to diesel buses moving forward.

We now know that electric or other low- and no-emission buses could be a good fit for routes throughout our region, and we will continue to look for additional funding and finance opportunities together to make the technology fiscally possible. The content and strategy included in our recent federal grant application will help make the transit agencies more competitive in seeking future funds.

In June, GoRaleigh, GoCary, GoTriangle and Chapel Hill Transit asked for $3.27 million through the federal Low or No Emission Competitive Grant Program to cover about half the cost of buying seven Proterra 40-foot electric buses. The buses cost about $980,000 each, including charging stations and other needed equipment. A standard diesel bus costs about $500,000.

Through the most recent competitive application process, the Federal Transit Administration awarded $55 million to fund 51 projects across the country, with the largest grant being $1.75 million. Last year, the highest award was $3.9 million.

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