Republican U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson says MARTA is the recipient of $2.6 million in federal funds for zero-emission battery electric buses.
The Senator from Georgia applauded the announcement in a press release issued Tuesday. Isakson says the Federal Transit Administration grant awarded to Georgia’s Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) for the purchase of six buses will funnel $2.6 million to purchase battery electric buses and chargers that will replace diesel buses on two of its 108 routes. The new buses will be supported with a combination of on-route overhead charging and plug-in depot chargers.
“I was proud to support MARTA’s application to help bring Atlanta’s transit system into the 21st century and better support clean technology for a healthier environment,” said Isakson. “The $2.6 million federal grant, awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration Low-or-No-Emission Grant program, will help contribute to lower energy consumption in metro Atlanta and the surrounding counties served by MARTA.”
“These grants will help communities nationwide bring the next generation of bus technology to enhance their transportation system,” said Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.
The 40-foot buses, expected to be deployed in 2021, have a passenger capacity of 38 standing and 38 seated. They will run on Routes 2 (Ponce de Leon/East Lake) and 102 (Ponce de Leon/Little Five Points), both densely populated areas with high ridership. Destinations along the routes include Ponce City Market, the Fernbank Museum and a variety of retail and grocery outlets.
MARTA was one of 38 applicants that was selected to receive funding through the Low-or-No-Emission Grant program.
