Department of Transportation allocates grant for new energy-efficient Ecoliner buses
WASHINGTON – Rep. Judy Chu, D-Calif., today applauded U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood's announcement of a grant to help Foothill Transit put cleaner, more efficient buses into service. The local transit agency, which provides service for the eastern San Gabriel Valley, will receive over $10 million in funds to purchase fast-charge battery electric buses and equipment needed for its new Ecoliner Fleet.
"This investment helps us move to a truly 21st Century transit system," Chu said. "The Ecoliner project is a pioneering step toward cleaner, more-efficient public transportation. This grant creates more jobs, opportunities and travel options for communities throughout the San Gabriel Valley."
The Ecoliner is the first of its kind in the nation. The heavy duty, fast charging electric bus launched on September 3rd and is capable of driving 30-miles without charging. It's recharged, hands-free and within its route, in only 10 minutes. The initial project was entirely funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).
The new funds were made possible through the TIGGER (Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction) II Program, which works with public transit agencies to implement new strategies for reducing their energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions. Secretary LaHood announced the grant on Tuesday as part of $27 million awarded to California transit systems throughout the state.
Representative Judy Chu was elected in July 2009 to the U.S. House of Representatives as the Representative of California's 32nd District, which includes East Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley. She is a member of the House Judiciary, Government Oversight, and Education and Labor Committees.
Congresswoman Chu's career in politics spans 24 years. A lifelong educator, Congresswoman Chu taught community college classes in Los Angeles and East Los Angeles for 20 years. She holds a Ph.D. in psychology and a B.A. in mathematics.
