Some counties in Michigan will be swapping out diesel garbage trucks for all-electric recycling trucks.

In Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties, 15 heavy-duty electric trucks will go to work in disadvantaged communities. That’s because typically underprivileged areas have air pollution problems already. Removing diesel trucks and replacing them with electric zero-emissions trucks will relieve some of that pollution.

They’ll be paid for by a $4.4 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Program. It’s funded by the Inflation Reduction Act. The grant also will fund new charging stations and training for mechanics and drivers.

Nationwide, $400 million in grants will be used for similar projects in areas that are not attaining the National Ambient Air Quality Standards.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy is handling the grant at the state level. It did not respond to a request for an interview.

The Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan will assume control of Detroit’s QLINE service this month.

Since construction of the railway began in 2014, the plan has always been to eventually transition it from the nonprofit M-1 Rail to a public entity, according to RTA Executive Director Ben Stupka.

“And when the RTA was established around the same time, it was always kind of thought and planned that the RTA would be that entity,” Stupka said.

This change opens the service to new sources of state and federal funding.

“As a government entity, the QLINE is now eligible for state and federal transit funding, which will help stabilize operations moving forward,” Stupka said.

QLINE riders will not see significant changes in service. Fares will remain free and hours will remain the same. The only visible update may be the addition of the RTA logo on streetcars.

Stupka added there are no immediate plans for expansion. “Our focus remains on delivering efficient service, but we are committed to exploring future options,” Stupka said.

Ridership has increased more than 25% this year over 2023, with over one million riders last year.

The RTA also operates the Dax Airport Express and D2A2 Ann Arbor Express as part of its growing portfolio of transit services for Southeast Michigan.