New electric buses coming to Colorado Springs thanks to funds from VW settlement

Mountain Metropolitan Transit will be getting three new battery electric buses because of a settlement with Volkswagen.

VW violated the Clean Air Act by selling about half a million diesel cars equipped to beat emission tests, which led to hundreds to thousands of the cars parked near Pikes Peak International Raceway.

MORE: Why are VW’s parked near Pikes Peak International Raceway

While many of the cars have since been moved, they are why $14 million in grants is being given out through CDOT to communities in Colorado for alternative fuel buses.

“It gives us an opportunity to take the funds from the emissions violations from Volkswagen and turn them into something positive,” Michelle Peulen, Communications Manager for CDOT Region 2 said.

Mountain Metro riders are happy to see three of the new 28 buses coming to the Pikes Peak Region.

“I think that’s awesome, I think the more progression towards cleaner energy the better chance we have at saving the environment,” Andrew Hall said.

Others hope it might lead to more buses being replaced here.

“In the long run it’s going to pay off because it’s going to help the emissions and the environment,” Idus Wright said.

Thanks to the grants, 28 diesel powered buses in six communities throughout the state will be replaced by zero-emission alternatives.