SporTran to Replace Old Buses With Federal Funding

Shreveport’s Local Transit Agency Reveals Plans for a Modern, Emission-Reducing Fleet

SHREVEPORT, La. – SporTran, the public transportation spearhead in the Shreveport and Bossier City areas, has been named as a recipient of a substantial grant amounting to $11,169,846 as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law initiated by the Biden-Harris Administration.

The federal grant was announced on July 9, 2024, by The Federal Transit Administration (FTA), which selected SporTran for its ongoing “Low-No Emissions” initiative. The award will significantly aid SporTran in replacing aging vehicles in its current fleet with advanced, low-emission buses.

Impacts of The Investment

Such a considerable investment into the local transit system is expected to bring about a plethora of positive outcomes. Not only will this initiative reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but it will also cut maintenance costs. By enhancing the reliability and timelines of their services, SporTran anticipates a boost in ridership numbers.

This project’s approval reflects SporTran’s commitment to creating a public transit that aligns with the pressing climate realities and the burgeoning demand for cleaner, more sustainable transportation alternatives.

A Word from The CEO

SporTran CEO Dinero’ Washington expressed his pride and gratitude upon receiving the funds. He said, “My staff and I are so pleased to be recognized nationally for our rider-focused approach, our vision for the next generation of public transit, and our proven track-record as diligent stewards of public dollars.” Further emphasizing the importance of federal funding, Washington noted that unlike other major Louisiana cities, neither Shreveport nor Bossier City have municipal transit bonds in place to fund local public transportation.

With the grant, SporTran anticipates acquiring approximately forty new 35-foot and 40-foot low-emission Gillig coaches. The new buses will incorporate cutting-edge technology, including improved operator communications, enhanced GTFS feed accuracy, and safety upgrades to maximize rider experience.

Statements from the Federal Transit Administration

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has affirmed its commitment to developing public transportation across the nation through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“Investing in low-emission and no-emission transit buses has emerged as a transformational pillar of President Biden’s transportation emissions reductions strategy,” commented Assistant to the President and National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi. “This innovative and common-sense approach is already bolstering American manufacturing and creating good-paying union jobs – and it will safeguard the planet for future generations,” he added.

Through the President’s Infrastructure Law, FTA has successfully allocated nearly $5 billion over the past three years to modernize transit buses, thus building new technology with American workers and advancing sustainability in every corner of the nation.

The drive to transit modernization represents a bold step toward creating cleaner, more sustainable cities, and the city of Shreveport is proud to be part of this transformative process. The citizens of Shreveport and Bossier City can look forward to encountering these upgraded, environmentally friendly buses on their local routes soon.