PVTA Wins 6.2 Million Federal Grant for Ten Diesel-Electric Hybrid Buses
SPRINGFIELD, MA.,-- In a nation-wide competition, the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority has been awarded $6.2 million for the purchase of ten diesel-electric hybrid buses. The PVTA’s grant application included letters of support from Congressman John Olver and Congressman Richard Neal. The award was made under the State of Good Repair Program which was initiated by the US Department of Transportation.
“I appreciate the letters of support for PVTA’s application provided by Congressman Olver and Congressman Neal. I also want to express my appreciation to Senator Rosenberg (Co- Chair RTA Caucus) who worked tirelessly over the past few years to secure toll credits for the Regional Transit Authorities,” said Mary MacInnes, PVTA Administrator.
"The purchase of these hybrid buses will allow the PVTA to continue to offer quality service while simultaneously lowering operational costs, the PVTA and the environment," said Congressman John Olver. "This competitive grant award, one of only three in the first Congressional district, recognizes the remarkable work of the PVTA in our region."
Federal dollars awarded to regional transit authorities are funded 80% and require the state to provide a 20% match. MASSDOT Secretary Jeffrey Mullan recently secured approval from the Federal government to recognize turnpike tolls as a credit for the State’s local match. For this award, rather than the State providing $1.24M in cash, the State is providing $1.24M in toll credits to PVTA.
MacInnes went on to say, “due to the challenging fiscal times it would have been difficult, if not impossible for the State to provide a local cash match and therefore we would not be able to access this award. The toll credits make it possible for PVTA to purchase the ten hybrid buses”
“The support of Transportation Secretary Mullan and the Congressional delegation to secure this grant demonstrates their commitment to ensure funds are made available to public transit providers such as PVTA,” said MassDOT Rail and Transit Administrator Rich Davey. “These new diesel-electric buses will be a win for customers and the environment. Congratulations.”
The new diesel-electric hybrids will replace ten older buses that have exceeded their useful life and will operate on Amherst/Northampton/Hadley/S.Hadley routes. The new vehicles will reduce emissions and will double the fuel efficiency.
Diesel-Electric Hybrid buses use an electric motor/battery assist that allows the diesel internal combustion engine to operate at peak efficiency speeds and settings for longer periods and the engine burns ultra-low sulfur (i.e. “clean”) diesel fuel. When compared to conventional diesel and compressed natural gas (CNG) propulsion, diesel-electric hybrids have the lowest carbon monoxide emissions and the lowest overall greenhouse gas emissions.
The State of Good Repair Bus grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) makes funds available to public transit providers to finance capital projects to replace, rehabilitate and purchase buses and related equipment and to construct/rehabilitate bus-related facilities. The grant application was submitted to the FTA by PVTA in June 2010.
The PVTA is the largest regional transit authority in Massachusetts with 174 buses, 144 vans and 24 participating member communities. The PVTA has three garages from which they operate, Springfield, Northampton and UMASS-Amherst.
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