Do "facilities" include transportation centers or just shops/yards?
Both types of projects are eligible under the Low-No Program. However, facilities projects must directly support low-no buses.
Public Transit
Legacy ID
301
Can we use this grant to pay for an implementation study that looks into replacing diesel fleet with all-electric bus fleet?
The Low-No Program is for capital projects only. Studies and planning efforts are not eligible expenses. However, a project proposal may include project administration costs directly related to the deployment of eligible vehicles in revenue service.
Eligible projects appear to be capital items only, however, we have a consultant who is interested in partnering with us to provide data services. Is data collection and analysis eligible?
It depends on how it is related to the project. Data collection could qualify as incidental project management expenses associated with a Low-No partnership. Applicants would need to define how these expenses are a part of the project implementation strategy and are directly associated with...
Can CNG powered buses and facilities be competitive in this process, or is it likely only electric or fuel cell projects will be selected? Is liquid propane eligible or is it the same as CNG?
CNG vehicles are eligible, but CNG-powered vehicles may not be rated as highly as other alternative fuel projects that have lower emission than CNG. Propane-powered vehicles are also eligible. Please refer to Eligible Projects section in the NOFO. Proposed vehicles must make greater reductions...
Does the vehicle need to pass Altoona first for Low-No?
All vehicles must complete Altoona testing prior to receiving FTA funds. Applicants should specify whether their intended bus models have already completed testing, and if not, provide a proposed timeline for completing FTA’s Bus Testing requirements and provide assurance that the proposed model...
If an agency plans to lease zero-emission buses, are the operating costs (e.g. lease payments) eligible?
Lease payments are considered a capital expense and are eligible under the Low-No Program. If an applicant proposes a capital lease in the application, the grantee will be required to provide the local match as the time of each payment under the lease agreement. In the case of the Low-No program...
Is installing solar panels to an existing facility eligible?
Funds cannot be used to retrofit an existing facility with solar panels unless the panels are necessary for the operation of electric vehicles. An agency can use Low-No funds to build a maintenance facility that uses solar panels if the facility is incidental to the operation of electric...
Can school buses be purchased with Low-No funds?
No. School buses are not eligible.
Are there any additional reporting requirements for electric bus projects?
No. The only required reports are Federal Financial and Milestone Reports. These reports are submitted electronically using FTA’s electronic grants management system. FTA encourages recipients to continually evaluate performance of electric vehicles and to share information on their operation...
If we place an order prior to the award announcement and we are selected to receive funding, would we be eligible for reimbursement?
Pre-award authority starts on the day the projects are announced. Projects will not be eligible for grant reimbursement for expenses incurred prior to the date of announcement.