Congressman Stephen F. Lynch today announced that the Congress and President Bush have approved $1,031,459 for the purchase of brand new Brockton Area Transit buses.  The funding was included in the Transportation Appropriations Act for FY 2006.

 

"In the last few years, federal dollars have helped to fuel a dramatic upgrade in transportation services for the people of Brockton and surrounding communities," said Congressman Stephen F. Lynch.  "With the help of Senators Kennedy and Kerry, we were able to secure more than $10 million for the construction of the new Intermodal Centre and for new, cleaner burning BAT buses.  With this new funding, we are hoping to build on that success.”

 

Earlier this year, after lengthy discussions with Mayor Jack Yunits, Councilor Jim Harrington and BAT Administrator Ray Ledoux, Congressman Lynch approached Republican and Democratic leaders on the House Appropriations Committee to formally request federal funding for the continued replacement of the older and less fuel efficient bus fleet with newer, cleaner operating buses.  Congressman Lynch was notified that the funding would be included in the final House version of the bill, which was overwhelmingly approved by the House and Senate last week, and signed into law by President Bush on Wednesday.

 

BAT Administrator Ray Ledoux said, "On behalf of BAT and the City of Brockton, I want to thank Congressman Lynch for all his hard work on providing good sound transportation alternatives in our region.”

 

Over the last two years, Congressman Lynch has secured a total of $6.28 million in federal funding for new BAT buses.  All told, this funding will allow BAT to purchase 24 new buses for its fleet.

 

These 24 new buses are eligible for federal funding because they replace buses that have been in service for over 12 years.  Additionally, 15 of these buses have logged more than 350,000 miles in service.  The cost of replacing each coach is approximately $300,000, and BAT intends to complete this replacement program in phases over the next few years.     

 

Lynch added, "Nearly half the cities and towns in my District will benefit from these new buses.  And we all know that it would never have been possible without the leadership of Mayor Yunits, Council President Jim Harrington, Representatives Gerry Creedon, Christine Canavan and Ray Ledoux of the Brockton Area Transit Authority and the entire Brockton delegation."

 

Brockton Area Transit Authority has an annual operating budget of nearly $10.5 million and accommodates over 3 million passengers each year with its fixed-route and elderly/disabled transportation services.  It serves the communities of Brockton, Abington, Avon, Easton, East Bridgewater, West Bridgewater, Stoughton, and Whitman. 

-30-