August 8, 2022. The Portage Area Regional Transportation Authority (PARTA) is getting $3.2 million in federal money to replace five older diesel buses with more environmentally friendly vehicles.
The funds are coming from the Low-No Emissions Bus and Bus Facilities Program administered by the Federal Transit Administration.
PARTA plans to use the money in 2025 to buy five environmentally friendly compressed natural gas (CNG) buses that use renewable natural gas (RNG), General Manager and CEO Claudia Amrhein said in a press release.
Renewable natural gas is captured and derived from methane-causing organic material, such as food or farm waste, and turned into a clean-burning fuel.
The Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program makes federal resources available to states and others to replace, rehabilitate and purchase buses and related equipment, as well as for bus-related facilities.
In March, the Federal Transit Administration announced about $409.3 million in grants to 70 projects in 39 states to improve the safety and reliability of America’s bus systems.
“Public transportation helps Ohioans get to school, work, the grocery store, and everywhere in between. It is a vital component of our communities,” said Rep. Tim Ryan, (D-Niles). “I am proud of the work PARTA does in providing seniors, people with disabilities and Kent State University students with the transportation they need. I will always work hard to provide the necessary funding to ensure that dependable public transportation is available for all.”