Mass Transportation Authority to Expand Alt Fuel Fleet with 32 Natural Gas Buses

The Mass Transportation Authority (MTA) of Genesee County, which services Flint, Michigan, will receive 32 new CNG buses, according to an article by the Davison Index. The new natural gas buses will be delivered over the next 18 to 24 months.

MTA was the recipient of a $12.8 million federal grant provided through the Federal Transit Administration’s Bus and Bus Facilities Grant Program that aims to provide more modern, reliable bus service for transit riders across the country. Sixty-one projects in 41 states and other territories received a share of nearly $211 million to replace, rehabilitate, and purchase transit buses and related equipment, and construct bus-related facilities.

With the state providing an additional 20 percent in funding, MTA will use more than $15 million for the purchase of CNG buses and a workforce development training program for mechanics and bus drivers to operate the new technology.

MTA has the goal of transitioning to a 100 percent alternative fuel fleet. The move will help the transportation authority better manage fuel costs and reduce its environmental impact.