CapMetro Takes Major Steps Toward a More Sustainable Fleet

AUSTIN, Texas - The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has announced CapMetro as one of the recipients of the Texas Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust settlement. The transit agency received almost $3.5 million, the largest contract awarded in Central Texas.

The settlement is a result of litigation over devices designed to defeat emissions control tests that were installed on vehicles manufactured by Volkswagen and its subsidiaries. Approximately 590,000 light-duty diesel vehicles in Texas were affected.

CapMetro will use the money to replace part of its current diesel fleet with new, cleaner buses, taking yet another step toward a more sustainable fleet.

Last week, the agency also received a $2.6 million federal grant for electric buses. The funding comes through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Low or No Emission (Low-No) grant program.

Transition to a clean, quiet and fully electric fleet is a major component of Project Connect, CapMetro's long-term vision for reliable and frequent regional transit with congestion-proof services that operate free from other traffic.

In the near term, customers will see 28 new, cleaner MetroExpress buses on the road later this month. The new buses will have 90%-cleaner emissions and will replace some of the older commuter buses that have reached or exceeded their 18-year lifespan. The MetroExpress buses will also have better air-conditioning, USB charge ports at every seat and free Wi-Fi.