Purchase zero-emission battery electric buses (ZEB) and related charging infrastructure to support cota in achieving its goal of net-zero GHG emissions by 2045.

This federal Project Grant award, provided by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA)'s Buses and Bus Facilities Formula, Competitive, and Low or No Emissions Programs (CFDA 20.526), will fund the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA), doing business as Cota, to purchase zero-emission battery electric buses (ZEBs) and construct the related charging infrastructure. The total funding amount is $33,099,827.00, awarded on January 29, 2024.

The project aims to help COTA achieve its goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. The funding will enable COTA to deploy an electric bus fleet, improve air quality and reduce noise pollution in minority and low-income populations that make up the majority of its service area. Additionally, the project will develop COTA's workforce to be skilled, educated, and knowledgeable in maintaining the electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. There are no identified sub-recipients for this award.

Activities

Cota will purchase battery electric vehicles as well as the charging infrastructure needed to support those vehicles. Cota will develop a workforce that is skilled educated and knowledgeable in the care and maintenance of the electric vehicles.

Expected outcomes

Deploying an electric bus fleet will help improve air quality and decrease noise pollution in cotas minority and low-income populations; which accounts for a majority of our population service area.

Intended beneficiaries

Cotas ZEB deployment will address racial equity reduce carbon emissions and will benefit all residents in our service areas by reducing air and noise pollution. Cota will build a workforce that is prepared to maintain the electric buses and charging infrastructure.