Coachella Valley, Pass Area To See Greener Buses
Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-36) helped RTA and Sunline obtain $17 million in federal funding for environmentally cleaner public transportation.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Bus lines that service the Coachella Valley and Pass Area are receiving a federal investment of $17 million that will go toward environmentally cleaner public transportation, it was announced Thursday.
In a joint press release from Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-36), SunLine Transit Agency, and Riverside Transit Agency, it was announced the money will be used to purchase new hydrogen fuel cell buses, rehabilitate natural gas transit buses, and construct hydrogen fueling stations.
Ruiz advocated for the funding for SunLine and RTA through the Federal Transit Agency's Buses and Bus Facilities Grant program, according to his office.
"I am thrilled to have helped secure over $17 million in federal funding to expand access to safe, reliable, clean transportation in our communities," Ruiz said in a released statement. "Thanks to SunLine and RTA's innovation, our region is leading the nation in clean transportation technology, including hydrogen fuel buses.
"Investing in clean transportation technology is vital to reducing air pollution in our communities, achieving environmental justice, improving access to transit for all, and strengthening our local economy," Ruiz continued. "This funding will help local families get to work and school faster and safer than ever before and help put the 36th District on the map as the hydrogen hub for the nation."
In total, SunLine received over $8.4 million in funding to rehabilitate compressed natural gas transit buses and replace current buses with hydrogen-electric fuel cell buses. RTA received nearly $8.8 million in funding to construct hydrogen fueling stations and provide workforce development training.
Lauren Skiver, CEO/General Manager of SunLine, thanked Ruiz for his "ongoing advocacy on behalf of transportation and clean energy."
"As a decades-long leader in zero-emission technology development, we recognize the importance of this level of investment and the impact it will continue to have to improve air quality in our local communities," Skiver said.
RTA Board Chairman Zak Schwank, who also serves on Temecula City Council, said RTA is making plans to "operate cleaner and greener than ever before."
"RTA has always been committed to a sustainable future, and the conversion of our entire bus fleet to zero-emission technology will be a massive step forward in our efforts to help improve air quality in Riverside County," Schwank said.
In total, SunLine received over $8.4 million in funding to rehabilitate compressed natural gas transit buses and replace current buses with hydrogen-electric fuel cell buses. RTA received nearly $8.8 million in funding to construct hydrogen fueling stations and provide workforce development training.