Federal grants totaling more than $4.6 million will be used to purchase five new electric buses for the Fayetteville Area System of Transit.

The buses are expected to arrive in Fayetteville in the summer of 2023. The projected date reflects a manufacturing backlog.

“We want to replace all of our diesel buses with electric vehicles,” said Transit Director Randy Hume. “I believe that can happen over the next 15 years.”

The grant awards also cover costs of bus charging equipment which will be used overnight during off-peak hours.

The federal funds will also cover costs of workforce training to help FAST staff members transition from diesel to electric buses.

Fayetteville’s Public Works Commission will assist FAST in the selection of bus charging equipment and development of strategies to reduce electricity costs.

Hume said he believes the new buses will reduce emissions, improve air quality, upgrade the quality of life and reduce FAST operating expenses.