What does this funding get me?
Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding for transit buses. Eligible projects include:
- purchasing or leasing low- or no-emission buses
- acquiring low- or no-emission buses with a leased power source
- constructing or leasing facilities and related equipment (including intelligent technology and software) for low- or no-emission buses
- constructing new public transportation facilities to accommodate low- or no-emission buses
- rehabilitating or improving existing public transportation facilities to accommodate low- or no-emission buses
Recipients may use up to 0.5% of their grant for workforce development and an additional 0.5% for training at the National Transit Institute.
Am I eligible?
Eligible applicants include direct or designated recipients of FTA grants, states; local governmental authorities, and Tribes.
Except for projects proposed by Tribes, proposals for projects in rural (non-urbanized) areas must be submitted as part of a consolidated state proposal. States and other eligible applicants also may submit consolidated proposals for projects in urbanized areas.
Beginning in 2024, there are streamlined application requirements for Tribes requesting less than $1 million, making it easier for Tribal governments with relatively small requests to apply. See the summary of streamlined requirements here.
How can I access the money?
On February 8, 2024, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced the availability of an additional $1.5 billion in Fiscal Year 2024 funding for two bus-related grants:
- The Low or No Emission grant provides funding to state and local governmental authorities for the purchase or lease of zero-emission and low-emission transit buses as well as acquisition, construction, and leasing of required supporting facilities.
- The Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program makes funds available to states and direct recipients to replace, rehabilitate, and purchase buses and related equipment and to construct bus-related facilities, including technological changes or innovations to modify low- or no-emission vehicles or facilities.
The deadline for submission of applications is April 25, 2024. Find application details here.
In the Fiscal Year 2023 competition, NC received eight grants and SC received three.
North Carolina:
- Cape Fear Public Transportation Authority received $2.8m
- City of Charlotte – Charlotte Area Transit System received $30.8m
- City of High Point received $1.2m
- North Carolina Department of Transportation on behalf of AppalCART received $2.2m
- North Carolina Department of Transportation on behalf of Columbus County Transportation received $280,800
- North Carolina Department of Transportation on behalf of ICPTA received $3.3m
- Research Triangle Regional Public Transportation Authority received $1.6m
South Carolina:
- Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority received ~$26M
- Greenville Transit Authority d.b.a. Greenlink received $6.3M
- South Carolina Department of Transportation on behalf of 25 rural transit providers received $15.4M
What is the timeline?
On June 26, 2023, FTA announced $1.69 billion in Fiscal Year 2023 project selections for Low- and No-Emission Grants and Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities supporting 130 projects in 46 states and territories.
FTA announced the availability of an additional $1.5 billion in Fiscal Year 2024 funding to support state and local efforts to buy or modernize buses, improve bus facilities, and support workforce development. The deadline for submissions is April 25, 2024. Details here.
What other incentives could I use to help me accomplish my goals?
There is a tax credit on electric buses, even for tax-exempt entities (which can get the credit paid out directly as cash). Details here.
Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) for additional incentives that may be offered by your state, local government, or utility, as well as important federal, state, and local policies. For questions regarding DSIRE, contact Justin Lindemann (NC Clean Energy Technology Center) at jplindem@ncsu.edu.
Where can I get more information?
- FTA web page on Low- and No Emission Grants
- Federal Transit Administration FAQs on Supportive Services
- Additional information on Zero-Emission Fleet Transition Plans
- Low and No-Emission Vehicle Federal Technical Assistance
- For more information, email ftalownobusnofo@dot.gov or call Kirsten Wiard-Bauer, Office of Program Management, 202-366-7052.
- The NC Clean Energy Technology Center provides technical assistance services related to clean transportation technologies. Click here for more information.
- In addition to the resources listed above, a variety of organizations offer technical assistance that may help you access these funds. They are listed on our Get Help page.
- For questions about updates to this program, please email Jessica Finkel at info@energyfundsforall.org.