Augusta Transit Awarded $6.3 Million Grant for New Battery-Electric Powered Buses

Augusta Transit has been awarded a federal grant to support their adoption of battery-electric powered buses.

With the legislative support of U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock, Augusta Transit will receive a $6,271,325 grant to back the Augusta Transit Goes Electric initiative, a project aimed at integrating electric buses into Augusta-Richmond County's transit system.

The funding was awarded through the Department of Transportation's (DOT) Fiscal Year 2022 Low or No Emission Vehicle Program that helps state and local governments purchase or lease zero-emission and low-emission transit buses as well as acquire and construct support facilities.

"As we continue working to build smart cities across the nation, this news comes at a perfect time for the city of Augusta" said Augusta, Georgia Mayor Hardie Davis, Jr.. "Being awarded $6.3 million for EV Buses helps us to elevate transportation in our community by allowing us to provide safe, clean and climate friendly options for our citizens, while continuing the progress toward a Green Augusta".

Augusta, Georgia Interim Administrator Takiyah A. Douse offered similar sentiments.

"With our Green Augusta Initiative, the incorporation of battery-electric buses in our transit system helps our government continue reducing our carbon footprint on the environment while increasing operational efficiency for years to come," said Douse. "We are thankful for the support of Senator Warnock and the U.S. Department of Transportation. In addition, I commend the Augusta Transit staff's efforts to transition our transportation system to have a significantly lower environmental impact."

Since August 2021, Augusta Transit has worked with four leading electric bus manufacturers to test their vehicles as part of Transit's efforts to build a robust application for the competitive DOT grant. As a result, according to Augusta Transit Director Sharon Dottery, Augusta will move forward with partnering with battery-electric bus company GILLIG to replace five of Transit's traditional fuel buses.

"Augusta Transit is committed to providing sustainable and safe transit services, and we are grateful to have Senator Warnock's support and the DOT funding to offer a clean and affordable alternative to our residents," said Dottery.

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