$1.66 Billion in Federal Infrastructure Funding Awarded to U.S. Bus Systems

The Federal Transit Administration announced the winners in the Bus and Bus Facilities and Low or No Emission Vehicle (Low-No Program) programs in August.

2 minute read

September 6, 2022, 6:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Recent weeks have been packed with federal grant announcements, from RAISE competitive grants to Build Back Better Regional Challenge competitive grants, if you blinked you might have missed the Federal Transit Administration’s announcement of $1.66 billion funding for the Bus and Bus Facilities and Low or No Emission Vehicle (Low-No Program) programs. The latter provides funding to help transit agencies buy or lease U.S.-built low- or no-emission vehicles, including related equipment or facilities.

In an August 16 press release published by the Federal Transit Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is quoted saying that the funding “means more good jobs for people across the country, cleaner air in our communities, and more affordable and reliable options to help people get to where they need to go.”

Both programs gained a major influx of funding reach through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).  The IIJA provided $5.5 billion over five years for the Low-No Program, for example—six times more than the previous five years of funding. The IIJA provides nearly $2 billion over five years for the Grants for Bus and Bus Facilities Program

The complete lists of projects funded in 2022 for both programs can be found online at the FTA website.

For a local example of Low-No Program funding, the Sustainability Commitment Program at the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) received a $19.3 million grant to purchase 25 electric buses and charging infrastructure. 

Tuesday, August 16, 2022 in Federal Transit Administration

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Close-up of white panel at top of school bus with "100% electric" black text.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation

California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

April 30 - California Air Resources Board

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

April 30 - Streetsblog USA

"No Thru Traffic - Open Streets Restaurants" sign in New York City during Covid-19 pandemic.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street

How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.

April 30 - Next City