(Washington, DC)— Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-Wisc.) today announced that the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) will receive $25,682,975 in Recovery Act funds to replace 45 diesel fuel buses. The funds will also be used to purchase new fareboxes, to upgrade the passenger information systems in all 480 vehicles in the MCTS fleet, and to acquire spare parts for the buses. Rep. Moore helped pass the Economic Recovery Act in February to create jobs, bolster the country’s infrastructure and improve the health of the economy.

“Especially in these difficult economic times, these Recovery Act dollars will help keep Milwaukee’s public transportation options up-to-date so that all our citizens, regardless of their economic situation, have a safe and reliable way to get where they need to go,” Congresswoman Moore said.  “For those Milwaukee residents who do not have access to their own vehicle—or who cannot afford gasoline at well over $2 a gallon – it is only through a strong public transportation system that they can reach essential locations like job sites, school, the grocery store, and medical care. As the Milwaukee transit system is strained financially, these funds will stave off more drastic service cuts that would have been necessary. ”

About $16,425,000 of these Recovery Act dollars will go toward the replacement of buses. Another $6,960,000 will purchase new fareboxes, and $2,160,000 will be used to buy a vehicle annunciator and passenger information system for all 480 buses in the MCTS fleet. The MCTS will also use $131,975 to buy spare parts for buses.

“The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) is very pleased to be receiving funding for these critical capital purchases,” said Anita Gulotta-Connelly, President and Managing Director of the Milwaukee County Transit System. “The 45 buses will replace vehicles that are close to 15 years old and have seen hundreds of thousands of miles of urban use. The fareboxes and the stop annunciator system will allow us to modernize our system and provide new options for our customers.  We appreciate the efforts of Congresswoman Moore in helping MCTS to obtain these funds.”

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For an interview with Congresswoman Gwen Moore, please contact Marni Goldberg at 202-593-8574.

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