Reps. Greg Stanton and Ruben Gallego announced June 22 a $13.3 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration for Valley Metro to purchase zero-emission buses and necessary infrastructure.

The funding comes after the congressmen advocated on Valley Metro’s behalf to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in March of this year, according to a press release. 

“We’re working to leverage historic funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to improve air quality and access to public transit,” said Rep. Stanton. 

“Not only will transitioning to electric buses lower emissions, but it will significantly lower long-term fuel and maintenance costs for Valley Metro — saving taxpayer dollars.”

Rep. Gallego is excited to see the new buses hit Valley streets.

“This investment will expand access to public transportation, reduce carbon emissions, and help improve our region’s poor air quality. I am proud to have partnered with Rep. Stanton to secure these funds for Valley Metro,” Rep. Gallego said. 

In a March letter to Buttigieg, Stanton and Gallego noted that the transition zero-emission buses “has tremendous potential for improving quality of life in the region,” and would help “Maricopa County control harmful pollutants, like ozone and PM10, and would improve the region’s poor EPA air quality ratings.” 

Last year, following Stanton and Gallego’s advocacy, the city of Phoenix Public Transportation Department received a $16 million Low or No Emission Program grant to buy hydrogen fuel cell buses, battery electric buses and charging equipment as well as worker training as part of the initial phase of the city’s zero-emission transition plan.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes $5.5 billion available over five years for the Low or No Emission Program, which helps transit agencies buy or lease U.S.-built zero-emission and low-emission transit buses along with charging equipment and supporting facilities.