Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)
LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) and Lowell leaders announced $7,158,564 in federal funding awarded to the Lowell Regional Transit Authority (LRTA) to support the purchase of six additional low emission buses. The new investment builds on the progress made last year when Trahan secured $6,859,296 in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for LRTA to purchase seven state-of-the-art hybrid-electric buses, six of which have already been delivered and are in service.
“There’s been no shortage of political divisiveness and chaos in Washington lately, but my focus remains where it’s always been – on delivering for the hardworking families I represent,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “That means fighting for investments that make daily life more affordable and more efficient for folks across Greater Lowell. These new buses will help reduce costs for riders, improve reliability, and make it easier for families to get where they need to go. This is the kind of practical progress people deserve, and I’m proud to help bring it home.”
“This investment in Lowell’s transit system is an investment in our residents. Reliable, cleaner, and more efficient buses help connect our neighborhoods, support our workforce, and make it easier for families to get where they need to go. I’m grateful to our regional and federal partners for helping us continue to build a transit system that reflects the needs and values of our community,” said Lowell Mayor Daniel P. Rourke.
“This award highlights what can be accomplished through strong partnerships. The City of Lowell, the LRTA, and our federal delegation have worked closely to advance sustainable transportation options for our region, and this latest funding will move that vision forward. We’re proud to collaborate with the LRTA as they continue modernizing their fleet and improving service for the riders who depend on it every day,” said Lowell City Manager Thomas A. Golden, Jr.
“This federal grant award recognizes the successful and continuing collaboration between the LRTA, its legislative leaders, and community partners to provide safe, reliable and energy efficient public transportation to the Greater Lowell region. I am proud to say that the 2025 funding, coupled with a prior award to purchase new hybrid-electric buses, solidifies the LRTA’s bus-fleet modernization mission,” said LRTA Administrator Dave Bradley. “This could not be achieved without the dedicated advocacy of U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan.”
The investment announced today was secured through the Federal Transit Administration’s Law’s Low- or No-Emission Bus Grant Program, which was established after Trahan voted to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. In addition to the seven buses acquired by LRTA last year, the federal program has helped other transit authorities upgrade their fleets, including the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority. A separate Bipartisan Infrastructure Law program known as the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Bus Rebate Program has also supported fleet upgrades for Lawrence Public Schools, Fitchburg Public Schools, and the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District.
This funding is the latest secured by Trahan over the past year to support projects in Lowell and across the region. In August, the Rourke Bridge Replacement Project officially broke ground, made possible thanks to $251 million Trahan secured through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds. Following the Trump Administration’s decision in May to revoke funding for the Lowell Folk Festival and Merrimack Repertory Theatre, Trahan led the charge to restore the funding, which was successful for the festival foundation. Last December, she secured $37,617 for the Lowell Police Department to retain vital support staff. In October 2024, Trahan celebrated $1.5 million in federal funds to support Community Teamwork’s YouthBuild program, which provides educational and vocational training to at-risk youth to help prepare them for careers.
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