As someone who uses public transportation every day, I understand the importance of safe, efficient and affordable public transit systems — especially buses. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, our communities will soon enjoy cleaner and greener bus service.

Our local transit agencies in Whatcom, Island and Skagit counties were awarded $22,171,265 in Low-No grant funding, care of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's "Low or No Emission Vehicle and Buses & Bus Facilities initiatives" through the Federal Transit Administration. This initiative is based on legislation I co-authored, and I am proud to see it coming to life at home in Northwest Washington. Here is how this may look on your neighborhood bus route:

• Whatcom Transportation Authority was awarded $9,644,865 to purchase 11 diesel-electric hybrid buses to replace three diesel buses and eight hybrid buses;
• New South Whidbey Island Transit Center will be designed, engineered, and constructed thanks to a $7,526,400 Bus and Bus Facilities grant;
• A new Maintenance and Administrative Facility for Skagit Transit is in the works because of a $5,000,000 Bus and Bus Facilities grant; and
• Funding will be provided to support workforce training, apprenticeships, and more to diversify and grow the workforce.

With local transit agencies like Everett Transit and the Whatcom Transportation Authority expanding electric bus fleets, they are helping to keep people moving while reducing maintenance costs, lowering energy consumption and reducing their carbon footprint. Washington is leading the way in making cleaner and greener buses the new norm.

As always, there is more we can do.

I will continue to champion a bold, FDR-like investment in electric buses — and the overall transit system to create well-paying jobs, drive economic recovery and build a cleaner and greener transportation network. You can help me make this a reality by making a contribution to my campaign for reelection.

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Together, we can create dependable, eco-friendly bus service that connects our communities and reduces traffic congestion.

More soon,

Rick