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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Augusta Transit has been awarded a $12 million grant in order to purchase six clean-energy battery electric buses.

The grant was awarded by The Federal Transit Administration, and along with the electric buses, Augusta Transit will also be able to purchase associated charging equipment and infrastructure and a bus simulator to support workforce training of transit workers.

According to officials, the funding is because of the FY2024 Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities competitive grant program.

Officials say that the $12 million federal grant along with the local match of $2 million will enable Augusta Transit to replace and upgrade aging buses, install a 360 degree bus simulator, and strengthen workforce development through the upskilling of all transit workers providing bus riders with quieter, safer, and more reliable transit service.

“Augusta Transit is so excited and grateful to be awarded a second round of Low Emission No Emission grant funds,” says Transit Director Sharon Dottery. “We will move from the first five electric buses due to arrive in 2025 to an additional six arriving in 2027. We continue to propel our clean energy initiative forward while playing a major role in workforce development by purchasing a bus operator 360o training simulator. We appreciate all the support shown for Augusta Transit as we continue to improve transit service for the future.”

According to officials, this grant is the largest single Federal award in Augusta Transit’s 50-year history and was a joint effort between GILLIG, EO Charging Inc., FAAC Inc., the Center for Transportation and Environment, and Augusta, Georgia’s Office of the Administrator.