Flaws in Federal Clean Transit Programs

Two programs designed to help transit agencies shift to electric and zero-emission fleets contain rules that could slow the adoption of zero-emission vehicles.

1 minute read

May 18, 2023, 10:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


An analysis by Transportation for America finds that certain provisions of the federal Low or No Emission Vehicle (Low No) and Bus and Bus Facilities programs limit their effectiveness and “artificially constraining the supply of zero-emission funds, locking in unnecessary transit emissions for decades.”

Based on information obtained by T4A through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, T4A concludes that “the [Low No] program encourages transit agencies to buy diesel hybrid and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses instead of zero-emission buses running on electricity or hydrogen,” with 25 percent of the Low No program’s funding aimed at low-emission, not zero-emission, vehicles and projects. 

While “The Bus and Bus Facilities program does not place constraints on fuel types when considering awards,” T4A found that “zero-emission projects had a one in six chance of being awarded while consuming 83 percent of the program’s available funding.”

According to T4A, “Congress can do more to ensure that these programs are working to accomplish emission reduction goals” by increasing funding for both programs to meet the overall demand for buses and facilities; creating incentives for both programs to leverage other funding sources; and increasing transparency of the program by making basic application and award information available on FTA’s website and looking for ways to simplify the application process.”

Tuesday, May 16, 2023 in Transportation for America

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

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

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.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Metrorail train pulling into newly opened subterranean station in Washington, D.C. with crowd on platform taking photos.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”

The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

June 2, 2025 - The Hill

Large crowd on street in San Francisco, California during Oktoberfest festival.

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns

In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

June 2, 2025 - Robbie Silver

Bike Parking Utrecht Centraal Station

Supporting Cycling Takes More Than Just Bike Lanes

Safe, protected bike lanes are a key part of a city’s bike infrastructure — but secure parking, e-bike charging, and other amenities can also influence people’s shift to cycling.

5 hours ago - Cities Today

A blue and white Sound Transit heavy rail commuter trail with downtown Seattle skyline in background.

Judge Blocks Anti-DEI Rules for Transportation, Housing Grants

A second injunction blocks the Trump administration from enforcing new regulations for federal funding.

6 hours ago - The Seattle Times

San Jose, California city hall with glass dome in front of modern multistory building.

Unhoused People in San Jose Could Face Arrest if They Refuse Shelter

A policy proposed by the city’s mayor would give law enforcement the option to arrest homeless residents if they refuse three offers of housing.

7 hours ago - Associated Press