Earlier this week, California-based public transportation system Anaheim Transportation Network (ATN) was awarded $2 million by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for the enhancement of their electric bus fleet.
In an attempt to make their current transportation system more sustainable, the Anaheim Transportation Network will utilize the Department of Transportation’s grant to improve upon their existing electric-charging technology, which in turn will allow buses to avoid peak charging times. According to the DOT, the grant was funded by their Low or No Emission vehicle program, which exists to provide funding to state and local governmental authorities for the purchase or lease of zero-emission and low-emission transit buses. In addition to this, the Low or No Emission program also aids in the construction or lease of any additional facilities required to accommodate low- or no-emission buses such as recharging, refueling, and maintenance facilities.
ATN Executive Director Diana Kotler commented on the recent announcement, stating:
“We were already on track towards a zero-emissions fleet with our recent purchase of 40 all-electric buses. The DOT grants will now help make our charging system highly efficient, further reducing carbon emissions.”
Lou Correa, the 46th Congressional District Representative of California, played a crucial role in ATN’s endeavor to secure the grant. In a recent press release, Correa stated:
“When people visit Orange County, they expect to see the crystal-clear sky Southern California is famous for. By investing in green transportation we are decreasing congestion on our streets and preserving our pristine communities that folks travel around the world to experience.
“This grant will help ATN increase bus service to Orange County while ensuring its goals for sustainability and energy savings. Not just passengers, but the entire regional population will benefit.”
Just a few short months ago, ATN purchased 40 new all-electric buses as part of their Electrify Anaheim program. Thanks to this recently announced grant from the DOT, Anaheim has taken yet another massive step forward towards achieving their goal of a 100% zero-emissions fleet. Once the new buses arrive in 2020, Anaheim will bring their bus fleet up to 57% zero-emission vehicles, which they will now have little to no problem funding.
