Keaton PetersNew York is pushing to electrify its public transit systems outside of New York City. The state recently announced $100 million in new funding to help transit providers transition to zero-emission vehicles through the state’s Zero-Emission Transit Transition Program.
The program will provide grants of up to $17.5 million for transit authorities and up to $5 million for smaller municipal transit providers. The funding covers everything from purchasing new electric and hydrogen-powered buses to building charging infrastructure and developing transition plans for agencies looking to begin the shift away from fossil fuels. The program also covers planning and design work needed to prepare for the transition.
RELATED: New York offers millions in additional funding for fast EV charger installation
State governments across the country are racing to meet emissions reduction targets, and public transportation has emerged as a key strategy for preventing the worst effects of climate change. Already more climate-friendly than driving, electrifying buses and trains makes these transportation modes even greener. New York’s effort to electrify its transit fleets comes as part of the state’s broader push to implement its Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which mandates steep emissions reductions across all sectors of the economy.
“As we work to combat climate change and protect our environment for future generations, we must work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in transportation, including public transit,” said Marie Therese Dominguez, the state department of transportation commissioner.
The program targets the state’s largest transit authorities outside New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority, including systems serving Albany, Syracuse, Buffalo and Rochester. These agencies can apply for grants up to $17.5 million with a 10% matching requirement. Smaller municipal transit providers can seek up to $5 million in funding, also with a 10% match requirement.
For smaller municipal transit systems, the program requires a minimum grant request of $500,000, ensuring the funding goes toward substantial projects that can meaningfully impact their operations and emissions reduction efforts.
The State Department of Transportation will accept applications through April 4, 2025. More information on applying is available through the New York DOT’s website.
Photo courtesy Metropolitan Transportation Authority of the State of New York, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
