Support of federal delegation instrumental in obtaining funding for hydrogen buses and bike share expansion

 Click to Tweet: .@RTCSNV to add clean buses, bus stop solar lighting and more bike share stations and bikes because of $7 million in federal grants and earmarks @SenCortezMasto @SenJackyRosen @RepSusieLee @dinatitus @RepHorsford

 

LAS VEGAS – The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) will receive more than $7 million in federal funding to advance safety and sustainable mobility options through the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Buses and Bus Facilities Program and the Consolidated Appropriates Act of 2022. The RTC will purchase hydrogen fuel cell buses, add solar lighting to bus stops and expand its bike share program with this additional funding.

The FTA awarded the RTC with $4.87 million through its Buses and Bus Facilities Program, which makes funding available to help transit agencies purchase and rehabilitate buses, vans, and related equipment, and build bus facilities. The funding will be used to purchase hydrogen fuel cell buses and install solar lighting at bus stops.

The purchase of three 60-foot hydrogen fuel-cell fixed-route buses at a cost of $3.84 million allows the RTC to further implement its Zero Emissions Bus Rollout Plan, which calls for a fully electric transit fleet by 2035, with available funding.

“We thank Nevada’s federal delegation for their unwavering leadership and support of these programs that help enhance safety and sustainability in our region,” said Henderson Mayor and RTC Chairwoman Debra March. “With this additional funding, the RTC can incorporate new and innovative technologies that will help the state reach its sustainability goals and protect public health and the environment, while also increasing safety and mobility options.”

This is a critical sustainability initiative for Nevada, where transportation accounts for more than 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. Improved air quality through reduced emissions of harmful pollutants will provide considerable public health benefits for nearly 2.5 million residents and Southern Nevada’s tens of millions of annual visitors.

The grant also provides $1.03 million for the installation of solar lighting at 250 bus stops that currently do not have lighting. This will make these shelters safer and more secure for passengers, improving the travel experience for millions of passengers annually.

The FTA awarded more than 70 projects with $400 million in total grant funding.

In addition to the Buses and Bus Facility grant funding, the RTC will also receive $2.14 million as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022. The bill includes a $2 million earmark for electric buses, which will support the agency’s Maryland Parkway Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. These zero-emission buses will have branding for the exclusive use of the BRT project, which will include dedicated transit lanes with enhanced transit stations and numerous safety features. The buses will support a vital transit connection between the Las Vegas Medical District, Bonneville Transit Center, downtown Las Vegas, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

The bill also includes $142,500 for an expansion of the RTC’s popular bike share program. The funding will support the addition of two bike share stations and approximately 60 bikes to the fleet, including e-bikes and classic bikes.

“As an avid cyclist, I am excited that the RTC will have additional funding to expand the bike share program that brings numerous benefits to those who live, work or visit downtown Las Vegas,” said Clark County Commissioner and RTC Vice Chairman Justin Jones. “In addition to offering more locations and bikes within its fleet, the expansion will help increase transportation access, safety and equity for both residents and visitors.”

About the RTC
The RTC is the regional authority overseeing public transit, metropolitan planning, roadway funding, traffic management, and the public bike share system. The RTC’s vision is to advance regionally transformative mobility solutions through equitable, innovative and sustainable infrastructure development. The RTC’s mission is to elevate quality of life for residents and visitors through sustainable planning, collaborative problem-solving, and safe and equitable transportation service. For more information about the RTC and our major initiatives or to download the rideRTC app, visit rtcsnv.com. Stay informed by subscribing to our blog or following us on social media.

###