SacRT Celebrates $77 Million Federal Grant for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses, Maintenance Facility Modernization, and Workforce Development
SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, the Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) hosted a press event and check presentation ceremony to commemorate the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) award of $76,847,678 in Capital Investment funds. This significant grant, part of the FTA’s competitive Low or No Emission Grant program, marks a transformative investment in Sacramento’s sustainable transportation future.
The grant will enable SacRT to purchase new hydrogen fuel cell buses, replace aging fleet vehicles, construct a permanent hydrogen fueling station, modernize a key bus maintenance facility, and establish a workforce development program to train local workers in maintaining and operating the advanced zero-emission buses.
“This investment solidifies SacRT’s commitment to a greener, more sustainable future,” said SacRT General Manager/CEO Henry Li. “The new hydrogen fuel cell buses and modernized facilities will significantly reduce our carbon footprint while enhancing service for our riders. We are grateful for the federal partnership and the strong support from our congressional representatives.”
“This grant is not just about upgrading our fleet; it’s about creating opportunities for the Sacramento community,” said SacRT Board Chair Patrick Kennedy. “By investing in workforce development, we’re ensuring that local residents have the skills needed for tomorrow’s jobs in the growing field of green transportation.”
“Sacramento is leading the way in the transition to clean energy, and this investment underscores our region’s commitment to sustainable transportation,” said Congresswoman Doris Matsui. “The hydrogen fuel cell buses will make a tangible difference in our air quality, while creating jobs and boosting economic development in our community.”
“This federal investment will have lasting benefits for Sacramento. It supports clean energy solutions while improving access to safe and reliable transit,” said Representative Ami Bera. “Thanks to funding passed from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, I am proud to support SacRT’s efforts to modernize our transportation infrastructure.”
“This federal grant is not only a win for sustainable transit but also for job creation here in Sacramento,” said Congressman Kevin Kiley. “This will provide new employment opportunities for our community, equipping local workers with the skills needed to support innovative transportation for years to come.”
“The FTA is proud to support SacRT’s forward-thinking vision for public transit. These funds will help reduce emissions, improve transit services, and create opportunities for Sacramento’s workforce, all while moving us closer to a sustainable future,” said Ray Tellis, FTA Region 9 Administrator.
“This project is a critical step toward achieving California’s ambitious greenhouse gas reduction goals,” said California State Treasurer Fiona Ma. “By transitioning to hydrogen fuel cell buses and modernizing transit infrastructure, SacRT is demonstrating the kind of leadership we need to build a cleaner, more sustainable future for our state.”
This project is made possible through strong partnerships with California Air Resources Board (CARB), Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG), Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD), Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE), New Flyer of America (New Flyer), American River College (ARC), Clean Cities Coalition (CCC), and the County and City of Sacramento.
In addition, SacRT received $10 million from SB125 provided by SACOG, $7.5 million from HVIP by CARB, and $3 million from SMAQMD, which are utilized as local match, bringing SacRT’s available funds to $94.3 million. SacRT anticipates receiving additional $35,670,000 from various sources including EnergIIZE Funds, VW Mitigation Trust Funds and state funding sources.
The event featured a ceremonial ribbon cutting, celebrating one of the largest awards under the FTA’s Low or No Emission Grant program nationwide. The funding places SacRT at the forefront of sustainable transportation innovation in California’s capital region.
For more information, please visit sacrt.com/newbusfacility.
Left to Right: SacRT Board Vice Chair Rick Jennings, FTA Region 9 Administrator Ray Tellis, SacRT Board Chair Patrick Kennedy, CARB Board Member Eric Guerra, Congressman Kevin Kiley, Congressman Ami Bera, Congresswoman Doris Matsui, Assemblyman Josh Hoover, SacRT General Manager/CEO Henry Li, California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, SacRT Board Director Lisa Kaplan.