BROCKTON AREA TRANSIT AUTHORITY – Today, Brockton Mayor Robert F. Sullivan and Brockton Area Transit Authority Administrator Michael J. Lambert jointly announced the receipt of a $10.7 million dollar grant from the Biden-Harris Administration’s U.S. Department of Transportation. The funds, provided via the Federal Transit Administration’s highly competitive Low- and No-Emission Program, will provide BAT with seven new zero-emission battery electric buses, charging equipment, and funds to develop of a workforce training program to provide the new skills needed to support emerging technologies. By transitioning to zero emission vehicles, BAT will also advance the Commonwealth’s ambitious goal to significantly reduce the state’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
“BAT service is a key component of Brockton’s transit network, which includes connections to our three commuter rail stops,” said Mayor Sullivan. “Electrifying public buses will go a long way toward reducing the City’s carbon footprint and improving the quality of life for residents and businesses within the BAT service area. This is just the latest improvement to our public transit system as we seek to reduce congestion, improve connectivity, and make Brockton a cleaner, safer, and more convenient city for all. We thank our federal partners for their commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving the City of Champions.”
“On behalf of our employees, I offer sincere thanks to FTA and our federal delegation for supporting BAT’s conversion to a fully electric fleet. This award directly benefits our customers and host communities through quieter vehicles and cleaner air. We look forward to expanding the skills of our workforce to incorporate this cutting-edge technology into our continuously improving operations,” stated Administrator Lambert. “This advance will help strengthen our local economy while also furthering the cause of environmental justice for greater Brockton.”
“Today, we are creating new opportunities to dramatically improve the lives of millions of Americans who ride on buses every day,” said FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez in FTA’s press release. “Thanks to the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these grants will help deliver a cleaner and more modern mode of transportation, designed to reach everyone, and to work for everyone, particularly in places that haven’t received enough resources in the past.”
“I’m proud that this $10.7 million federal investment will help ensure that the City of Champions has accessible, affordable, and efficient public transit primed for the 21st century,” said Senator Edward J. Markey. “Transitioning to a more efficient bus fleet is a critical step toward achieving the emissions reductions we need to improve the quality of our air, reduce our carbon footprint, and transport us to a healthier, more livable future.”
“I am delighted that Brockton is receiving more than $10 million in federal funding to expand their electric bus fleet. Electric buses are an important investment in our communities and our workforce, and a powerful win for our planet. I’ll continue fighting for federal investments to electrify our transit systems for communities across the Commonwealth,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren.
“I am very pleased to hear Brockton was awarded a $10.7 million federal grant to purchase and accommodate seven zero-emission electric buses,” said Representative Stephen F. Lynch. “This funding will help the City of Brockton continue their efforts to combat air pollution and subsequently decrease the variety of health disparities that is caused by poor air quality. These electric buses will have a tremendous impact on Brockton and the entire Commonwealth as we work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the state. I give great credit to Mayor Bob Sullivan and BAT Administrator Michael Lambert for their hard work and dedication to obtain this critical funding for Brockton and all its residents.”
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided for $5.5 billion in funding for Low and No Emission vehicles, and I was proud to support this $10.7 million federal investment into the Brockton Area Transit Authority,” said Congressman Bill Keating. “BAT performs a vital role throughout Southeastern Massachusetts, and this federal grant will enable BAT to continue their core mission while using American-made busses that will result in a quieter ride for commuters and cleaner air for everyone who lives, works, or rides along a BAT route.”
“We are grateful for the support from our federal partners at the FTA towards funding clean and low-emission buses for our regional transit authorities,” added MassDOT Transportation Secretary and CEO Gina Fiandaca. “This funding will allow our RTAs to make critical upgrades to facilities and fleet vehicles to better serve their communities’ transportation needs while working towards the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s climate goals.”
“On behalf of the Old Colony Planning Council and staff, we enthusiastically congratulate Brockton Area Transit for being awarded funding to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the purchase of electric buses. The new buses will provide improved transit for members of the public with a sustainable, accessible, and reliable system. Our region is fortunate to have BAT as a resource in providing access to jobs, healthcare, and education,” said Old Colony Planning Council Executive Director Mary Waldron.
The Brockton Area Transit Authority (BAT) provides over 1,500,000 trips annually and has been serving as the transit hub for the South Shore and Greater Brockton areas since 1974. BAT is committed to providing services that connect people to their destination in a responsive, respectful, friendly, safe, accessible, affordable, and dependable manner. BAT encourages riders to follow us on Twitter and Facebook @BrocktonBAT, or visit our website, www.ridebat.com to keep up to date on routes and information.
Additional information regarding FTA’s Low- and No-Emission Vehicle program, please visit: https://www.transit.dot.gov/lowno.