Merkley, Wyden Announce Over $6.5 Million in Transit Grants for Oregon
Funding will support bus and bus facility upgrades and help districts purchase new zero emission vehicles
Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced that the Lane Transit and Rogue Valley Transportation Districts will receive $3,952,851, and $2,687,000, respectively, in federal grants to support critical bus and bus facility upgrades.
The Rogue Valley Transportation District’s grant will help replace, rehabilitate, and purchase buses and related equipment. The Lane Transit District will use its award to replace costly older buses with newer, zero emission buses that will reduce operating costs and pollution.
“Our public transportation systems continue to bring frontline workers where they need to go and have kept vital services within reach for our communities,” said Merkley. “These grants will not only help make our transit districts stronger, they’ll also help cut down on dangerous air pollution and improve public health. I’ll keep working to ensure that all transit systems across Oregon have the resources they need to get Oregonians where they’re going safely and efficiently during and after this pandemic.”
“Many Oregonians are relying on public transportation during COVID-19 and beyond for bus trips to work, the grocery store, the doctor’s office and more,” Wyden said. “I’m glad these federal resources are heading to these mass transit districts and the people working hard to keep them running. I will keep battling to make sure public transportation throughout Oregon continues moving toward using the most energy-efficient and cost-effective vehicles.”
"On behalf of the RVTD Board of Directors and the citizens of Southern Oregon, we are honored that we were awarded 6 CNG buses through the Buses and Bus Facility Program. This opportunity will allow RVTD to continue our expansion of services in our District. We thank our Congressional Delegation for supporting Southern Oregon," said Julie Brown, General Manager of the Rogue Valley Transportation District.
“Replacing old, diesel buses with zero-emission models will help us not only reduce operating costs and create a more environmentally sustainable community, but will also help us maintain a strong level of transit service for those who need it most—which is more important than ever as we face the challenges of a global pandemic. We thank Sen. Merkley and Sen. Wyden for their support of public transit in Lane County,” said Aurora Jackson, General Manager of the Lane Transit District.
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