PSTA Awarded $1 Million For Electric Bus Line

ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Pinellas County has been given the opportunity to become more eco-friendly thanks to a grant from the federal government.

The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority has been awarded a $1 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration’s Low or No Emission Vehicle Program. The award will allow the public transportation system to add more zero-emission buses to its fleet.

“PSTA has earned this very competitive grant through its commitment to adding safer, cleaner technologies to its fleet,” said U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist. “I am proud to support this initiative and be a witness to history as Pinellas County rolls out its first electric buses next year – moving people and innovation forward.”

The $1 million grant will help the system execute the second phase of its zero-emission vehicle program. The money will be used to expand the agency’s electric bus fleet and install on-route charging infrastructure.

“We’ve done our homework and we’ve shown our commitment to bringing healthier, cleaner technology to Pinellas County,” said Pinellas County Commissioner Janet Long. “Now we’re eager to continue putting our words into actions.”

Earlier this year, the PSTA’s board of directors approved a contract with BYD, a Los Angeles-based electric bus manufacturer, to purchase up to 20 buses. To date, the agency has bought two electric buses through the company as part of the first phase of its zero-emission vehicle program. It will launch in 2018 when the region’s first electric buses will be deployed in downtown St. Petersburg along the newly redesigned Circulator route.

“It’s always a proud moment to see PSTA’s commitment, hard work and dedication pay off,” said Darden Rice, the St. Petersburg City Council Chair and PSTA Board Chair. “PSTA has set out to change the way people think about public transportation, and we are well on our way.”

PSTA was one of 51 projects in 39 states to receive a share of $55 million awarded from the FTA this year.

Image via Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority FB page