The US Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA), has made an announcement regarding the No-Emission (Low-No) Bus Competitive Grant Programme, encouraging new bus technologies.

As part of the programme, about twenty transit providers across 13 states will receive a share of a $55m grant for replacing aging diesel fuel buses with battery-electric or fuel cell-powered vehicles and incorporating other innovations.

US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said: “The Obama Administration continues to invest in clean transportation infrastructure, and our Low-No programme is putting more American-made, energy-efficient buses into service across the country.

"By investing in new technology bus fleets, we help transition an industry that many depend on to a model of green, efficient service."

“By placing more modernised, non-polluting buses on the roads, we are improving the rider experience and continuing to extend ladders of opportunity to people who take public transportation every day.”

The FTA awarded the FY 2016 funds after a competitive review of more than 100 applications and selected projects that represent strategic investments to help decrease air pollution, employees training for maintaining new technology buses, and services through efficient bus transit networks.

FTA acting administrator Carolyn Flowers said: “Our Low-No grant projects represent the latest and greatest bus services running on state-of-the-art technology, resulting in cleaner air and lower costs in the long run.

“By investing in new technology bus fleets, we help transition an industry that many depend on to a model of green, efficient service.”

Switching to electricity-powered buses that generate low or no emissions would help in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improve operating efficiency.