Capps Announces Over $2 Million in Federal Funding To Help San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority Upgrade Bus Fleet to Clean Diesel

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Lois Capps (CA-23) announced the San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority (RTA) has been awarded a $2.28 million federal grant to replace buses in its fleet that have met or exceeded their useful lives with new clean-diesel buses. These funds come as part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s State of Good Repair Program, which ensures the reliability and safety of public transportation systems.

According to the RTA, the new buses will include GPS-based automatic vehicle location systems that will permit riders to use their smart phone or other internet-capable device to determine the real-time arrival time of their bus.

This critical funding will ensure greater efficiency in San Luis Obispo County’s transit system,” said Congresswoman Capps. “Better, more reliable buses will provide better, more desirable means of transportation for our region as people travel back and forth between home, work and school. With gas prices still high, affordable, accessible transportation options are essential. That’s why I will continue to support the RTA’s outstanding efforts to enhance our regional transit system, improve air quality, grow our economy, and connect more Central Coast communities.”

The RTA is eager to implement this important project, which will replace six 2003 buses that have traveled well over 500,000 miles each,” said Geoff Straw, RTA’s Executive Director. “The new buses will incorporate several technological advances to reduce emissions to the greatest extent possible, thereby preserving the air on the Central Coast.”

Fred Strong, President of RTA’s Board of Directors added, “These six vehicles, in addition to the seven replacement buses already on order, will bring RTA closer to a standard modernized fleet, allowing for improved and consistent onboard customer amenities throughout the system.”

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood concluded, “President Obama’s support for an America built to last is putting people back to work across the country repairing and upgrading our nation’s public transit systems. By investing in the transit infrastructure people depend on to get where we need to go each day, we will keep our economy moving forward well into the future.”

The RTA is currently working with a California-based manufacturer to deliver these buses as soon as possible. Based on current manufacturing schedules, RTA expects to receive these new vehicles in the next 15 to 16 months.

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