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Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) proudly announced that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), an agency within the Department of Transportation (DOT), will award over $8.8 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which Congresswoman Escobar voted for and was signed into law by President Biden last year, to El Paso’s Mass Transit Department for Sun Metro. This funding will be used to purchase 50 zero-emission Paratransit Vehicles and 25 charging stations to replace older models. 

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to inject vital funds into our community,” said Congresswoman Veronica Escobar. “This award has two fantastic impacts for our community: we are ensuring disabled residents have the transportation services they need while reducing air pollution and carbon emissions around El Paso. As the only federal representative of our region who voted for this funding bill, it is thrilling to see these projects come to fruition.” 

"Funded through President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this announcement means more good jobs for people across the country, cleaner air in our communities, and more affordable and reliable options to help people get to where they need to go," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. 

“Replacement of our bus vehicle inventory is vital to delivering the best service to our customers. We are grateful for the exceptional work of our federal elected leadership that continues to deliver for our community.  We especially thank Congresswoman Escobar who has brought home several multi-million-dollar grants for El Paso,” said Ellen Smyth, Managing Director of Sun Metro. 

This funding is from the Buses and Bus Facilities Program, which assists in the financing of buses and bus facilities capital projects, including replacing, rehabilitating, purchasing or leasing buses or related equipment, and rehabilitating, purchasing, constructing or leasing bus-related facilities.