This is a cape COD regional transit authority (ccrta) request for $14613149 in section 5339 low or no emissions programs funds for the barnstable-MA UZA for the purchase of 13- 35 diesel-electric…

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA) $14.6 million on May 13, 2025, under the Buses and Bus Facilities Formula, Competitive, and Low or No Emissions Programs (CFDA 20.526). This Project Grant supports the procurement of 13 diesel-electric hybrid buses to replace aging diesel vehicles serving the Barnstable urbanized area, along with the acquisition of specialized maintenance tools and equipment, including gantry cranes and lifts required for hybrid vehicle servicing.

Beyond vehicle acquisition, the grant funds a comprehensive workforce development initiative conducted in partnership with Cape Technical Schools and Cape Cod Community College. CCRTA is implementing an extensive training program covering all employee classifications—drivers, mechanics, supervisors, trainers, dispatchers, administrative staff, and managers—with intensive instruction delivered over two months, followed by ongoing monthly training for drivers and mechanics. The expected outcomes include improved regional air quality through reduced NOx, volatile organic compounds, CO2, and particulate matter emissions across all 15 Cape Cod communities served by CCRTA, with anticipated health benefits including reductions in asthma and related diseases. The project completion date is September 30, 2026.

Activities

Ccrta received low emissions grant funding to acquire 13 - 35 diesel-electric hybrid vehicles which will allow US to diversify our agencys vehicle profile (2) purchase tools and equipment necessary for the transition. Ccrta is seeking funding for tools and equipment including gantry cranes and lifts to allow our maintenance team to keep the vehicles in service and (3) work force development. Ccrta is working with cape technical schools and cape COD community college to develop curriculum and work force opportunities to support low emissions vehicle operations maintenance and support to prepare individuals for jobs. Ccrta is also working with our operating company to provide extensive training for the implementation operation storage and maintenance for the hybrid vehicles.- the EV training program is currently underway and includes both hands on and didactic instruction for each employee craft including drivers mechanics supervisors trainers dispatchers administrative staff and managers. - each team members is required to attend multiple classes over the course of two months.- drivers and mechanics will receive continued monthly EV training instruction thereafter in addition to traditional safety training.

Expected outcomes

Ccrta will improve air quality throughout cape COD. The buses identified in this grant will traverse throughout all of these communities and will reduce harmful NOX VOC CO2 and PM throughout the region. These emissions have been linked to harmful health impacts such as increased rates of asthma and other diseases. The agency also will target recruitment in these areas to identify individuals to bring into the workforce for good paying jobs.

Intended beneficiaries

The beneficiaries of this effort will be the riders who use our service but the improved air quality will benefit all citizens in our area and beyond.