Gallego and Stanton Announce $16 Million for Valley Metro to Improve Electric Bus Infrastructure
PHOENIX, AZ – Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07) and Rep. Greg Stanton (AZ-09) today announced a $16,362,600 grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for the City of Phoenix and Valley Metro to purchase battery-electric buses and construct charging infrastructure. The funding comes after Reps. Gallego and Stanton sent a letter to FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez last November requesting the grant funding.
"As the Valley continues to grow, it is vitally important residents have safe, reliable public transportation to get them where they need to be,” said Rep. Gallego. “With this grant funding, Valley Metro can continue its efforts in growing the City of Phoenix’s bus system while also lowering emissions—a win-win. This funding is possible thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and I look forward to seeing the buses hit the streets of Phoenix soon.”
“Transitioning to electric buses will improve air quality, use less energy and lower maintenance costs–keeping people and our economy moving while protecting our environment. And with a strong federal-local partnership, we’re making it happen,” said Rep. Stanton.
“Phoenix is a leading city in electric vehicle adoption, with plans for over 280,000 electric vehicles on our road by 2030. This grant is adding to that success, increasing our ability to purchase vehicles and invest in needed infrastructure. A big thank you to Congressman Stanton and Gallego for their leadership and partnership in securing these funds,” said Mayor Gallego.
The $16,362,600 comes via the Low-No Grant Program, a competitive grant to assist in the financing of buses and bus facilities capital projects.
In November 2021, Reps. Gallego and Stanton sent a letter to Administrator Fernandez requesting the City of Phoenix and Valley Metro be considered for a Bus and Bus Facilities Program grant. In the letter Gallego and Stanton noted that Phoenix’s transit routes serve as a vital public resource to constituents and, if chosen, the funding will catalyze existing efforts undertaken by the cities of Phoenix, Mesa, and Tempe to electrify their bus fleets.
The Low-No Program supports the transition of the nation’s transit fleet to the lowest polluting and most energy efficient transit vehicles. The Low-No Program provides funding to state and local governmental authorities for the purchase or lease of zero-emission and low-emission transit buses, including acquisition, construction, and leasing of required supporting facilities.