x
Breaking News
More () »

'We have to reduce the air pollution,' Sen. Jon Ossoff gets support for 6 new MARTA electric buses

U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff pushed for the plan and got bipartisan support to upgrade MARTA’s bus fleet.

ATLANTA — After a push from U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, funding passed to help MARTA buy six new electric buses, which will replace six older diesel ones

On Friday, Sen. Ossoff secured almost $4 million to help MARTA purchase the new buses. 

RELATED: Ossoff making Senate push to upgrade MARTA bus fleet

"MARTA thanks Sen. Ossoff for his leadership in requesting and securing $3.8 million to support MARTA’s second purchase of electric buses,” Collie Greenwood, MARTA Interim GM/CEO, said in a statement.

The new buses will help expand services and cut back on air pollution, according to the release from the senator. 

RELATED: MARTA hiring for bus services, $3,000 sign-on bonus and salaries up to $23.91/hour

“We have to reduce the air pollution that's dangerous for children's health, and I will continue to champion these upgrades for MARTA and other transit authorities, and upgrade our overall transportation infrastructure,” Ossoff said. 

The funding passed with a bipartisan vote in the U.S. House and Senate. 

“The future of MARTA’s bus fleet is electric, which will help combat climate change and reduce public health impacts from air pollution, especially in vulnerable populations, " Greenwood added. 

WAYS TO GET 11ALIVE  

SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER  

The 11Alive Speed Feed offers a curated experience of top local stories we’re following now. Our goal is to help you feel informed, even if you only have five minutes. This email will be sent at noon daily. Sign up here. 

GET IN TOUCH WITH US 

Have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at WhereAtlantaSpeaks@11Alive.com. 

Before You Leave, Check This Out