Cohen Announces $7 Million for Memphis Area Transit Authority to Purchase Hybrid Buses

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) a grant worth $7 million to upgrade its fleet of diesel buses through the purchase of 15 new hybrid-electric buses. The federal award will be distributed by the Federal Transit Authority (FTA) as part of its “State of Good Repair” initiative.

“I am pleased to announce that for the second year in a row, MATA was awarded a federal grant to upgrade their diesel bus fleet with hybrids,” said Congressman Cohen. “Many Memphians do not have access to reliable transportation, and for them, MATA provides an essential service. These hybrid buses will get those riders to work every day in greater comfort, using less fuel and with a smaller impact on the environment.”

The State of Good Repair (SGA) initiative is part of the Federal Transit Authority’s continuing effort to ensure that the nation’s bus and rail system can provide safe and reliable service to commuters. It includes a $775 million discretionary fund administered by the Federal Transit Authority, as authorized by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA–LU), which was signed into law in 2006.