IBEW 569 and Rep. Peters Announces Federal Funds for MTS Zero Emission Bus Project Infrastructure

Today, U.S. Representative Scott Peters (CA-52), MTS Board Chair and San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chair Nathan Fletcher, and representatives from IBEW Local 569 and the Environmental Health Coalition highlighted $750,000 in federal funding for the Metropolitan Transit System’s (MTS) Imperial Avenue Division Zero Emission Bus Project. This project is one of seven projects Rep. Peters advocated to include in the federal appropriations bill for fiscal year 2022. In total, seven projects for CA-52 were funded for a total of $5,862,500.

In September 2020, the MTS Board of Directors approved a plan to transition the agency’s bus fleet to all zero-emissions vehicles by 2040. The plan accelerates the purchase of 25 electric buses before the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB), Innovative Clean Transit (ICT) regulation begins in 2023, including the agency’s first 60-ft articulated electric buses. To accommodate a fully zero-emission bus (ZEB) fleet by 2040, MTS must upgrade each bus division. The funds for this project will go toward the design phase of building the necessary infrastructure to charge and operate the ZEBs.

“As we continue to embrace the latest technologies to push our region closer to a greener future, funding is crucial to modernize our infrastructure,” said Nathan Fletcher, MTS Board Chair, and Chair, San Diego County Board of Supervisors. “We are grateful to have Rep. Peters as an ally who continues to champion federal funding for clean air and transit projects that are good for the environment, create jobs and new careers in our workforce.”

"IBEW 569 - the electricians union - has been a longtime advocate for cleaner air and zero emission buses – building stronger communities with electric infrastructure and combatting climate change,” said Cristina Márquez, Environmental Organizer for IBEW 569. “Critical to the successful implementation of a zero-emissions bus fleet is the charging infrastructure necessary to support it, and the skilled workforce to build it. We are thankful for Congressman Scott Peters and his successful efforts to deliver critical funding for MTS zero emission buses and electric charging infrastructure, and the good green jobs it creates for local electricians." 

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