The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has awarded RTC $8.78 million in grant funding to support the purchase of six (6) hydrogen fuel cell buses and the expansion of hydrogen fueling infrastructure, as well as an innovative virtual reality program to train bus mechanics to use this cutting-edge technology.

The funding comes from the FTA’s Low or No Emission (Low-No) Vehicle Program, and the RTC worked with Nevada’s congressional delegation to secure this funding.

“I want to thank our federal delegation, Senator Cortez Masto, Senator Rosen, and Congressman Amodei for their support of the RTC and our transition to 100% clean transit technologies,” said Bill Thomas, Executive Director of RTC Washoe. “These funds will help RTC purchase six buses utilizing hydrogen fuel cell technology, which will provide a safe, sustainable service for 14,000 daily riders and contribute to improving air quality in the region.”

Sparks Mayor Ed Lawson, who chairs the RTC Board of Commissioners, added “I am grateful for the federal support that enables the RTC to take a leading role in converting the RTC fleet to 100% alternative fuels.”

The Low-No program provides funding to transit agencies to buy U.S.-built low- or no-emissions vehicles, complete facility or station upgrades to accommodate low- or no-emissions vehicles, and support other equipment like battery electric charging. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided funding through FY 2026 for the Low-No program, and for FY 2023, approximately $1.22 billion was available for grants.