July 29, 2026. The Rapid will be adding new vehicles to its fleet to replace its existing diesel buses. This comes as The Rapid aims to fully eliminate diesel by 2048.
Eight new compressed natural gas (CNG) and renewable natural gas (RNG) buses have been approved for purchase. Once they are received in July 2027, the remaining three diesel buses will be removed from the fixed-route service.
The new buses will also replace the five Silver Line diesel-electric hybrid buses that have reached or exceeded the Federal Transit Administration’s useful life benchmark.
The 40-foot buses will be purchased for approximately $8 million. No public funding was required for the additions, as it was funded by a federal grant and state matching funds.
“This is an important moment for The Rapid,” said Walker Mayor Gary Carey, Chair of the Board. “The replacement of our remaining fixed-route diesel buses reflects years of strategic investment in cleaner transportation technologies. It improves the rider experience, supports operational reliability, and moves us closer to our long-term sustainability goals.”
Compressed natural gas is a clean-burning alternative to diesel, producing lower levels of emissions. The Rapid plans to become emission-free by 2048, and officials say this purchase is an essential step toward that goal.
“We’re committed to making smart investments that benefit both our riders and our community,” said Deb Prato, CEO of The Rapid. “This project allows us to maximize grant funding, replace vehicles that have reached the end of their useful life, and continue moving toward a cleaner, more sustainable fleet.”