MST chosen to receive grant for new buses

SALINAS, Calif. (KION) Monterey-Salinas Transit announced that it was chosen to get a more than $2.5 million grant from the Department of Transportation.

MST said the grant money will be used to replace some of its buses that are eligible for retirement. The agency said buses are expected to last abut 12 years or 500,000 miles on average for full size buses, but MST's coverage area is about one-fifth of the length of the state.

There are 25 buses in MST's fleet that are at least 15 years old, and more than 10 of those are eligible for retirement.

“These funds will help MST replace eight old gasoline and diesel buses that have exceeded their useful lives with eight new buses. The new buses will be less costly to operate, improve reliability, and provide greater fuel efficiency reducing greenhouse gas emissions and will assist our region in its goal of maintaining a robust transportation system that  provides mobility, economic activity, and environmental quality for all," said MST CEO and General Manager Carl Sedoryk.

Congressman Jimmy Panetta helped the agency get the grant, saying this will help fight climate change and improve service for riders.