Reno, Nevada (November 21, 2025) – The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Washoe County has been awarded a $21.5 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) through the Low or No-Emission Vehicle Program (Low-No), advancing the organization’s commitment to a cleaner, more reliable public transit system.
“This investment is a substantial win for our community,” RTC Executive Director Bill Thomas said. “Replacing older buses with cleaner, more efficient technology will help ensure safe and dependable service while also meeting our region’s sustainability and air quality goals.”
The funding will allow RTC to replace a portion of its fleet with modern diesel-electric hybrid buses to improve service reliability, reduce emissions, and lower long-term maintenance costs.
“I was proud to help secure this grant funding to make Reno’s transit system cleaner and more efficient,” Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto said. “I’ll always work to ensure Nevadans can get where they need to go safely and quickly, and replacing Reno’s aging bus fleet with new, low-emissions buses will do just that.”
“It was a pleasure partnering with the RTC of Washoe County to secure funding to replace buses that have reached the end of their useful life with new hybrid models. This upgrade strengthens safety, sustainability, and the overall transit experience for our community,” Rep. Mark Amodei said.
“I’m thrilled to see federal funding that I secured through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law being used to help update and improve Reno’s public transportation systems,” Sen. Jacky Rosen said. “This critical funding will allow RTC to continue delivering safe and reliable transit for our growing community, while also supporting the shift to low- and zero-emission vehicles and advancing our clean energy goals.”
The Low-No Program is a competitive federal grant initiative that supports transit agencies nationwide in purchasing and deploying cleaner transportation options.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Sen. Cortez Masto, Sen. Rosen and Rep. Amodei for their advocacy on behalf of Nevada’s transportation future. I also want to thank our hardworking RTC staff, whose expertise and commitment helped make this award possible,” Thomas said.
For more information about RTC transit services visit rtcwashoe.com.
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About RTC: The Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County, Nevada serves the citizens of Reno, Sparks and unincorporated areas of Washoe County. As the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization for the region, the RTC provides leadership in planning and implements quality transportation systems to meet the community’s present and future transportation needs. For more information about RTC projects visit rtcwashoe.com and sign up for email updates using MyRTC or call (775) 348-0400. Follow RTC on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County
1105 Terminal Way | Reno, NV 89502
Building a Better Community Through Quality Transportation.
