Updated stipulations for bus grant recipients under the FTA's Low-No program
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced a new policy that allows transit operators to request changes to their project proposals under the Low or No Emission grant program. This change allows recipients to shift from zero-emissions to low-emissions technology, providing flexibility in the face of challenges in implementing zero-emissions technology.
USDOT Secretary Sean Duffy made the announcement, citing feedback from various agencies and stakeholders about the limitations and challenges associated with zero-emissions technology. The FTA's Senior Advisor, Marc Molinaro, stated that the purpose of the grants is to fund reliable mobility and meet public demand, not to force ideology on American manufacturers and public transportation providers.
To change a project proposal from zero-emissions to low-emissions technology, the grant recipient must submit a written request to their FTA regional office detailing the requested change and providing the reasons for the change. Requests can also be made to reconsider a previously denied change request. The FTA will consider all timely submitted requests, but no explicit deadlines or timelines are specified beyond timeliness.
This policy update aims to address the challenges faced by transit operators in implementing zero-emissions technology and allow the use of all sources of American energy. The announcement pertains to the use of American energy in powering transit infrastructure.
The Low or No Emission grant program is managed by the FTA and is designed to support the transition towards more environmentally friendly transportation solutions. The FTA's decision to allow changes in project proposals is in line with this mission.
Transit operators can focus on building safe and reliable buses for American commuters with the flexibility offered by the USDOT. According to FTA Senior Advisor Marc Molinaro, grant recipients have asked for flexibility, which has been delivered by USDOT Secretary Sean Duffy. The FTA provides a process for grant recipients to request changes to their zero-emissions vehicle or infrastructure projects.
In summary, the core requirement is to submit a written justification for the change to low-emissions technology to the FTA regional office, after which the FTA will review the request in a timely manner. This policy update is part of the agency's efforts to address the challenges faced by transit operators in implementing zero-emissions technology and to provide flexibility to grant recipients.
- The USDOT Secretary has announced a revised policy by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) that allows bus and rail transit operators to switch from zero-emissions to low-emissions technology in their project proposals, funded by the Low or No Emission grant program.
- This policy change provides an opportunity for the transit industry to adapt to the challenges of implementing zero-emissions technology, utilizing various sources of American energy for transportation infrastructure.
- For those seeking a change to their project proposals, they must submit a written request to their FTA regional office, detailing the reasons for the request and the proposed shift to low-emissions technology.
- The public-transit sector can now look forward to the use of flexibly sourced American energy, allowing the operational focus on safer and more reliable buses and transportation systems, in alignment with the FTA's mission of supporting environmentally friendly transportation solutions.
