Laredo, TX—U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced that the City of Laredo and Laredo Transit Management Inc. will receive $7,430,385, in addition to the $5 million El metro received in April, from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Low or No Emissions and Bus and Bus Facilities Grant Program. El Metro will use the funds to replace its aging bus fleet with 14 near-zero compressed natural gas buses.

El Metro services over 2.3 million passengers on a yearly basis and has a total of 21 routes for the City of Laredo.

“Public transport is a vital resource our community. Whether it is getting to work every day, periodical doctors visits, or even a trip to the grocery store, a large number of residents in Laredo rely on El Metro to get from place to place,” said Congressman Cuellar, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. “However, the aging bus fleet at El Metro has presented challenges to keep up with the demand for public transport and to protect our environment. That is why this money is crucial for Laredo to continue to prosper. This federal funding provided today will support the purchase of new, near-zero compressed natural gas busses. These buses are cleaner for the environment and will provide state-of-the-art public transportation for our residents. I will continue supporting our local transportation with federal dollars to ensure the safety of users and the continued growth of our community. I want to thank Mayor Pete Saenz and the City Council for their leadership in the community and for taking the necessary steps to make Laredo a better place to live.”

“El Metro Transit couldn’t be more excited to receive this funding, this will enable us to upgrade 14 buses and keep us on the path of continued growth, safe and efficient ride for our passengers,” said El Metro General Manager Robert J. Garza.

The purpose of the Buses and Bus Facilities Program is to assist in the financing of buses and bus facilities capital projects, including replacing, rehabilitating, purchasing or leasing buses or related equipment, and rehabilitating, purchasing, constructing or leasing bus-related facilities. The purpose of the Low-No Program is to support the transition of the nation’s transit fleet to the lowest polluting and most energy efficient transit vehicles. 

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