AL-2022-013

Alabama AM University Bulldog Transit System (BTS) is revolutionizing transit by transitioning to smart and sustainable green mobility by strategically replacing its fossil fuel-powered buses/vehicles that have reached beyond the end of their useful life. To date, (6) new zero-emission ADA battery electric heavy-duty transit buses have been acquired. A bus storage facility with related charging infrastructure and a bus wash facility are under construction. This proposed project seeks to fulfill the University Bulldog Transit System (BTS) goal of achieving a 100% sustainable zero emissions transit system. $336,000 budget is slated for a zero emissions 25-foot ADA 7-year useful life shuttle bus will be purchased to replace a 2005 25-foot fossil fuel shuttle bus VIN # HA46391 that has reached beyond its useful life servicing the existing University Normal Hills 9 complex 500 resident apartments. A new welcome and event centers are under construction. The battery electric fleet will need at least one 500kW plug-in fast charge depot. In this project, we will erect a service bay to accommodate the new battery electric buses, which require larger space and specialized equipment. To achieve the goal of 100% zero emissions transit, the project will include installing a one (1) megawatt solar system to harness solar energy and install an energy storage system without sending energy back to the grid, creating a microgrid to power the charging stations and bus facility campus. Given the transition to new mobility technology, there is a need for workforce development training technicians to service the buses, maintain the microgrid systems, and bus operators, including operations staff. These activities will move the transit to become a 100% zero emissions transit system, create a quiet environment, reduce harmful emissions, increase passenger ridership, reduce operating costs, and become a model transit system in the nation benefiting the university community and the US transit community. Alabama AM University recipient 2542 was awarded $2,156,692 D2021-LWNO-001 and $2,119,128 D2021-LWNO-002. Purpose: The purpose of this award is to Alabama AM University Bulldog Transit System (BTS) funds for zero emissions buses and related infrastructure to achieve the goal of a 100% zero emissions transit. Activities to be performed: Funds will be used to purchase a 25 no emissions shuttle bus, construct an electric bus/vehicle service bay, erect phase 1 micro-grid powered by solar array system and electric storage system to power electric charging station and related facilities. Part of the funds will cover workforce development for the electric zero emissions buses and infrastructure. Expected outcomes: The Bulldog Transit will be able to achieve its objective of operating a 100% zero emissions transit system, no/zero emissions buses/vehicles powered by zero/no emissions power source/microgrid, significantly reducing harmful emissions and reducing harmful energy dependency, supporting nation's energy security, and adopting new mobility technologies. Intended beneficiaries: The US less reliance on fossil fuel, the state increase in charging stations infrastructure, local surrounding community reduction in harmful emissions, the university learning environment with less noise and reduction in harmful emissions, operating a clean, quiet, technological advanced buses/vehicles harnessing clean energy from solar, reducing operations costs in fuel and maintenance. Model system that can be adopted to other transit agencies and trained workforce in new mode of mobility. Subrecipient activities: None.

Alabama A&M University

20.526 - Buses and Bus Facilities Formula, Competitive, and Low or No Emissions Programs

FTA Region 4 [DOT - FTA]

FTA Office of Budget and Policy [DOT - FTA]

Alabama United States

State-Wide

None