Hawaii is set to receive more than $55 million in federal funding for new electric public transit buses. The money will be distributed across the state by the U.S. Department of Transportation and provide more travel options without air pollution.
“This new federal funding will make it easier for people to get to where they need to go while making our roads cleaner and quieter,” Senator Schatz, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and Housing said in a release from his office. “Improving our public transit system with electric buses means that we can provide affordable transportation while reducing our carbon footprint.”
The Hawaii Department of Transportation will receive more than $35 million in funding on behalf of Hawaii, Kauai and Maui counties. The money will go toward improving bus stops and facilities and buying a mix of zero-emission buses, battery electric buses and fuel cell electric buses. The new vehicles will replace diesel buses and retrofitted hydrogen fuel cell cutaways.
The Honolulu Department of Transportation Services will receive $20 million to buy battery electric buses. The new vehicles will advance the transition from diesel fuel buses to battery electric buses, support Honolulu's climate goals, advance workforce training and provide rides to the historically disadvantaged.