Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) highlighted the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) will receive $40,402,548 in funding from the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Low or No Emission Vehicle Program—a program established in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).  The grant will allow METRO to purchase 40 compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel buses, build a CNG fueling station, and modernize an existing bus maintenance facility.  The 40 new buses will replace aging vehicles currently used on bus routes.  CNG fuel comes from a variety of sources, including landfills and animal farms, and has a net-zero emissions impact.  

“I am thrilled that the Federal Transit Authority will award Houston METRO more than $40 million to put cleaner buses on our roads thanks to President Biden and Democrats’ Invest in America Plan,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher.  “I was glad to vote for the bill that made this grant program possible—the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act—and to support METRO’s application for this specific grant.  This investment in Houston’s transportation infrastructure will help address climate change by reducing carbon emissions, while also modernizing our transit.  I was glad to advocate for our community and I look forward to continuing to partner with Houston METRO.”

“METRO continues to move forward in its efforts to achieve climate action goals and partnerships are key,” said METRO Board Chair Sanjay Ramabhadran.  “We are thankful the Federal Transit Administration and Congresswoman Fletcher have provided continued support for our region to enjoy a public transportation system and bus fleet mix that is resilient, efficient and environmentally friendly.  Routes from the Hiram Clark Bus Operating Facility serving historically disadvantaged communities will receive priority for deployment of these new low emissions vehicles.”

In 2021, Congresswoman Fletcher voted for the IIJA, which, among other things, established the Low or No Emission Vehicle Program.  In April of this year, she specifically advocated for METRO to receive Low or No Emission Vehicle grant funding in a letter to FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez.  

Since her first term in Congress, Congresswoman Fletcher has been a strong supporter of Houston METRO.  In February of this year, she held a press conference to highlight $5,000,000 she secured to improve the 82 Westheimer bus route, the bus route with the highest ridership in Texas.