The Utah Transit Authority will receive funding from the federal government to acquire low-emission compressed natural gas (CNG) buses to replace older diesel buses on routes serving disadvantaged communities. The project will help reduce the agency's carbon footprint, have a positive impact on air quality, and improve the overall quality of life in the communities UTA serves.
UTA will receive a total of $17,055,353, which will be allocated to purchase 25 CNG buses, along with tools, custom equipment, and on-site training to help transition today's diesel mechanics to tomorrow's CNG technicians.
This award will also cover the cost of adding one additional CNG fueling pump and required safety equipment for UTA’s existing and in-use Depot District CNG fueling facility.
“This award typifies how We Move You, the community,” said UTA Executive Director Jay Fox. “Our transit vehicles and bus fleet provide clean, reliable alternatives to crowded highways and polluted skies, and we focus our service in ways that make the biggest difference in Utah’s qualify of life.”
Once the 25 new CNG buses are in service, they will reduce fuel costs and promote energy independence, since a major portion of the nation’s natural gas supply is produced domestically.
The funds UTA is receiving are among the 130 awards announced today by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA). These awards, totaling nearly $1.7 billion, are funded through President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for transit projects in 46 states and territories. This funding invests in more than 1,700 American-built buses that will be manufactured with domestic parts and labor.
UTA, which already has 23 CNG buses in service, applied for this federal grant in April. UTA would like to express its appreciation to the Federal Transit Administration and the Utah Congressional delegation for assisting in the procurement of this grant. Now that the funds have been awarded, the agency believes more clean buses on Utah’s roads will lead to less pollution, provide an economic boost, and build better communities throughout the Wasatch Front.
