More electric buses can contribute to health equity in Albuquerque
Strengthening and utilizing public transportation is one of Albuquerque’s strongest steps to reduce air pollution; switching to electric buses increases this impact.
Today, over four in 10 residents in our country — more than 135 million people — live in communities impacted by unhealthy levels of air pollution. Cars, trucks and diesel buses contribute to air pollution, increasing asthma attacks, heart attacks and strokes, lung cancer, and premature death.
Transportation is the second-largest source of health- and climate-harming pollution in New Mexico. The negative impacts of pollution from the transportation sector are clear. Our decision-makers must recognize them as a threat to local community health, health equity and a driver of major climate change-related health risks.
According to the city of Albuquerque’s onboard survey required by the Federal Transportation Authority, 75% of bus riders have incomes that prevent them from affording personal electric vehicles. That is why it is a top priority for Together for Brothers (T4B) and Albuquerque Bus Riders Union (ABRU) to advocate for more clean buses in our public transportation systems.
Federal funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are coming to New Mexico for clean buses. Only five of ABQRide’s 250 buses and vans are currently electric, with 20 more expected thanks to federal funding from the infrastructure law.
Electric buses and vans have higher upfront costs that are more than offset by fuel and maintenance savings — making them more cost-effective over their lifetime.
More sustainably fueled buses that bring these benefits can be secured for taxpayer-funded transit systems in New Mexico by further leveraging federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
New Mexico’s hardworking families deserve to breathe clean air and board a bus that doesn’t harm themselves or their neighbors. Electric buses can contribute to more health equity in Albuquerque.