FORT WAYNE, Ind., July 11, 2024 — Citilink, the public transportation provider in Fort Wayne, is set to receive a significant boost toward its sustainability goals. Thanks to a generous grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Citilink will be able to acquire new buses and enhance its commitment to a greener future.
Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Citilink has been selected as one of the recipients of federal funding. The FTA announced that Citilink will receive a substantial amount of $10,987,062 to purchase approximately 12 “electric-hybrid” buses. These new buses will replace the existing diesel-fueled ones in Citilink’s fleet, contributing to a more environmentally friendly public transportation system in Fort Wayne.
The grant aims to provide Fort Wayne residents with a more efficient and sustainable mode of transportation. By incorporating electric-hybrid technology, Citilink will significantly reduce emissions and promote a cleaner environment for the community.
Citilink’s General Manager and CEO John Metzinger said he is proud of Citilink’s team for preparing a highly competitive application, and grateful for letters of support from the Fort Wayne Mayor’s Office, New Haven Mayor Steve McMichael, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 682, Bowen Health Clinic, Easterseals ARC of Northeast Indiana, Fort Wayne Housing Authority, Greater Indiana Clean Cities, Healthier Moms and Babies, and Northeast Indiana Regional Coordinating Council (NIRCC).
“Citilink’s acquisition of electric-hybrid buses marks a significant step towards a more sustainable future for Fort Wayne. With the support of this federal grant, the company is poised to enhance its services while minimizing its environmental impact,” said Metzinger.
Expressing her enthusiasm, FTA Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool said, “These grants will help deliver cleaner and greener transportation, designed to reach everyone, and to work for everyone, particularly in places that haven’t received enough resources in the past.”
Citilink has been actively pursuing sustainability initiatives and engaging with the community to gather input. As recently as March 2023, the company conducted public surveys to incorporate the preferences and needs of the residents.
FTA received 477 eligible project proposals totaling $9 billion in funding requests, made $1.5 billion in total awards, and has been at the forefront of supporting sustainable transportation nationwide. Lafayette was Indiana’s only other transit agency that received this funding.
Over the past three years, they have awarded more than $5 billion to replace transit buses across the country. Notably, approximately 80% of the buses funded under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will operate on zero or low-emission technology, aligning with the FTA’s commitment to reducing carbon footprints.
To learn more about Citilink, visit the website at fwcitilink.com.
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About Citilink
Citilink is the public transportation provider for Fort Wayne, Indiana, and the surrounding areas. With a mission of linking people to life, Citilink operates a comprehensive network of bus routes, serving thousands of passengers daily. Committed to providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation, Citilink plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. To learn more information about Citilink, visit the website at www.fwcitilink.com.
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