Louisville, Ky.’s Transit Authority of River City (TARC) unveiled the first 15 of its 47 new, cleaner emission buses from GILLIG on Thursday.

In October, state leaders announced $8.5 million in transportation funding to replace about 170 buses, including at least 45 buses from TARC’s fleet, and support other efforts to expand reliable and sustainable transportation in Kentucky. The funds were part of the $20.3 million awarded to the state under the Volkswagen (VW) Environmental Mitigation Trust.

“This is an important and needed relief for our bus fleet,” said Carrie Butler, TARC’s executive director. “These new buses will help the overall air quality of our region, while reducing emissions, and improving the reliability of service we provide.”

TARC currently provides transportation service to residents and visitors in Greater Louisville and Southern Indiana with a fleet of over 300 vehicles operating across 30 routes.