News

Whatcom Transit Authority, other statewide bus services awarded new federal funding

Whatcom Transit Authority, other statewide bus services awarded new federal funding

Photo: Saga Communications/Dave Walker


BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Two local bus services are upgrading their fleets thanks to a new round of federal funding.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced on Thursday, Nov. 20 that it’s investing $2 billion to modernize and lower emissions at hundreds of bus stations across the country.

Washington was awarded eight of the grants, including one for WTA and another for Skagit Transit.

“WTA is thankful for this opportunity to improve the safety and reliability of our service while also lowering our carbon emissions,” said Whatcom Transportation Authority Board Chairperson and Ferndale City Council Member Ali Hawkinson. “This funding represents an important win for our riders, for our entire community, and for our environment.”

WTA received nearly $17 million to replace its aging diesel buses with hybrid models.

WTA Board member Ali Hawkinson says the upgrades will help improve safety and reliability of its services, while also lowering carbon emissions.

Skagit Transit also got just over $9 million to expand its fleet of paratransit vehicles and buy eight larger, coach buses.

Latest Headlines

10 hours ago in National

4 Republicans defy Speaker Johnson to force House vote on extending ACA subsidies

Four centrist Republicans broke with Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday and signed onto a Democratic-led petition that will force a House vote on extending for three years an enhanced pandemic-era subsidy that lowers health insurance costs for millions of Americans.

10 hours ago in Entertainment, Trending

Rob Reiner’s son Nick appears in court on 2 counts of murder in killing of his parents

Rob Reiner's son Nick Reiner made his first court appearance Wednesday in Los Angeles on two counts of first-degree murder in the killing of his parents.

10 hours ago in Entertainment, Trending

The Oscars will move to YouTube in 2029, leaving longtime home of ABC

In a seismic shift for one of television's marquee events, the Academy Awards will depart ABC and begin streaming on YouTube beginning in 2029, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Wednesday.