Today, Rep. Heath Shuler (D-Waynesville) announced that the City of Asheville will receive $428,000 to put toward the upgrade of their bus fleet with new hybrid and diesel buses, improving fuel efficiency, reducing carbon emissions and improving passenger service. The Livability Grant, coupled with other resources acquired by the city, will replace 15 buses in the fleet.
Asheville’s fleet of 21 buses includes 16 that were purchased in 1996 and are past the normal 10-year life cycle of a bus. This funding will ensure that almost every bus that needs to be replaced can be. Mayor Terry Bellamy said, “The city of Asheville is proud to be one of the 47 projects awarded these funds out of the 281 that were submitted. I think it says a lot about our city and the importance we place on public transportation. The new bus we will be able to purchase will be cleaner and greener and a welcome site throughout the city.”
“The bus system is integral to getting many residents of Asheville to work, to school, and throughout the city. Having a strong bus system benefits our environment and air quality, and reduces traffic by reducing the number of cars on the roads,” said Rep. Shuler. “I could not be more proud of the City of Asheville for winning this competitive grant.”
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