PSTA gets $27.8M in federal funds for electric, hybrid buses

The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) is getting closer its goal of going all-electric thanks to newly announced federal funds.

Driving the news: The agency is receiving $27.8 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration to buy new electric buses, hybrid buses and charging equipment, and to initiate a workforce development program.

• The project aims to improve service and reliability, as well as address air quality and noise pollution.

The big picture: The funding was announced on Tuesday as part of the Biden administration's $1.5-billion investment to support 117 public transportation projects in 47 states .

By the numbers: PSTA is phasing out 16 diesel buses to add 12 electric and four hybrid buses, as well as 12 chargers.

• In five years the agency will have 74 electric buses and 96 hybrids with 40 diesel buses remaining.

What they're saying: Transportation Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg commended PSTA for its commitment to greener transportation, including its hybrid-powered SunRunner program.

• "You all are leaning into this next generation of transit investments and we are excited to support you," she said at a press conference.

Flashback: PSTA replaced 60 diesel buses with electric buses last year, paid for with settlement money from a Volkswagen emissions scandal .

What's ahead: The agency has pledged to go all-electric by 2050 .