The Rapid to Replace Diesel Buses With CNG/RNG Buses by July 2027
Grand Rapids transit agency The Rapid has approved the purchase of eight new 40-foot buses running on compressed and renewable natural gas, funded through a federal grant plus state matching funds with no local public dollars required. Once delivered in July 2027, the roughly $8 million order will let the agency retire its remaining diesel buses and replace five aging Silver Line diesel-electric hybrids, growing its CNG/RNG fixed-route fleet from 131 to 139 vehicles as part of a broader push to eliminate diesel by 2048.