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Coralville keeps electric buses on transit application despite concerns about performance and grants
Summary
At a public hearing the Coralville council approved filing its FY2027 DOT/FTA transit funding application and discussed including two electric buses on the program of projects. Staff warned some agencies have struggled with electric buses and noted grant opportunities for them have dwindled; hybrid and other options remain under consideration.
Coralville — The City Council on April 14 voted to authorize the city’s FY2027 consolidated transit funding application to the Iowa Department of Transportation and Federal Transit Administration, but councilmembers and staff signaled caution about committing to electric buses.
During the public hearing Mayor Laurie Goodrich opened the record and received no public comments. Councilmember Hai Huynh asked about listing two electric buses in the program of projects. Robrock, speaking for staff, said the city lists all desired vehicles so they remain eligible for grant awards but is not required to purchase everything it requests.
"We put everything we want on the program of projects because if they are not listed, they will not get any funds for them, but the city is not required to purchase everything it asks for," Robrock said.
Robrock and staff also noted that some local agencies that adopted electric buses have not had successful experiences, prompting other agencies to evaluate alternatives such as hybrid propulsion. The transcript indicates that grants explicitly for electric buses that were once available are now less common, which is why the city kept electric buses in the program of projects while retaining flexibility.
Council adopted Resolution No. 2026‑43 authorizing the filing of the DOT and FTA funding application on a 4‑0 roll call (one member absent). City staff also informed the council that state allocations will include two heavy‑duty and two light‑duty buses in a separate announcement, but that heavy buses may require about two years for delivery.
What’s next: Staff will submit the DOT/FTA application and continue evaluating bus propulsion options to match long‑term fleet needs and grant opportunities.
