Reed to Help Launch RIPTA’s Clean-Energy Electric Bus Program

Senator Reed was joined by the delegation including the Governor, Gina Raimondo, representatives from the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA), and others at the launch of RIPTA’s new, clean energy electric bus service, which is being put into operation as RIPTA works to replace and modernize its bus fleet.  RIPTA recently accepted the delivery of three zero-emission electric buses, which it will use in advance of the purchase of 16 to 20 electric buses starting in 2021.

The buses will replace aging, diesel models and are part of a larger effort to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions across the state.  As the Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Senator Reed was instrumental in obtaining the funds for the project, working to increase RIPTA’s 2018 formula funding to an estimated  $41.3 million and to increase funding for competitive Low or No Emissions Bus program by nearly $30 million.