New York Accelerates Green Transit: $80 Million Boosts Zero-Emission Fleets
October 15, 2025, 3:55 pm
New York drives a green transit revolution. Governor Hochul announced nearly $80 million in new state funding. Seven key transit providers across New York will benefit. This expands zero-emission vehicle usage dramatically. The Zero-Emission Transit Transition Program (ZETT) powers this initiative. It targets electric and hydrogen bus acquisitions. Vital charging and fueling infrastructure will also emerge. Existing facilities will undergo eco-friendly upgrades. This robust investment underscores New York's unwavering commitment to climate goals. It promises cleaner air, healthier communities, and a sustainable public transportation future for the Empire State.
New York is aggressively pursuing a sustainable future. The state makes significant strides in green transportation. Governor Kathy Hochul announced a major funding allocation. Nearly $80 million will bolster zero-emission vehicle adoption. This funding targets seven public transit providers. It marks a critical step towards New York's ambitious climate goals. The initiative will transform public transportation across the state.
The Zero-Emission Transit Transition Program (ZETT) is central to this effort. ZETT supports transit agencies in acquiring eco-friendly vehicles. It also funds essential charging and fueling infrastructure. The program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It promotes cleaner air for communities statewide. New York set a bold agenda for energy transition. These investments move the state closer to its clean energy objectives.
The ZETT program initially committed $100 million. An additional $20 million was secured in the FY26 Enacted Budget. This brings the total to $120 million. Transit authorities and municipalities are eligible recipients. The program focuses on non-MTA entities. It excludes intercity bus operators. This ensures targeted support for local public transit networks.
Several key regions will benefit from the latest awards. Each project addresses specific local needs. These investments will create modern, green transit systems.
The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) received $17.5 million. This funding supports a new training and maintenance facility. The facility will cater to a zero-emission fleet. It serves Schenectady, Montgomery, and parts of Saratoga Counties. CDTA will also acquire two hydrogen-electric/fuel-cell buses. This enhances their green fleet capabilities.
The Central New York Regional Transportation Authority (Centro) also secured $17.5 million. Centro will consolidate facilities and operations in Oneida County. This move supports their zero-emission fleet transition. Potential expansion into Madison and Herkimer Counties is planned. New battery-electric and hydrogen-electric/fuel-cell vehicles are part of this investment.
The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) gained $17.5 million. They will install two lanes of charging infrastructure. This upgrade targets the Cold Spring Bus Garage. Eighteen battery-electric buses will join their fleet. A feasibility study is also underway. It will assess infrastructure needs for future expansion. This includes the Frontier and Babcock Bus Garages.
Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RTS) was awarded $17.5 million. RTS will update its operations building. Utility and safety improvements are key. These upgrades will accommodate hydrogen-electric/fuel-cell buses. The project includes ten new hydrogen-electric/fuel-cell buses. This strengthens their commitment to clean energy.
Suffolk County Transit received $5 million. This funding directly supports new vehicle purchases. They will acquire twelve battery-electric buses. This significantly boosts their zero-emission options.
Broome County Transit secured $3.34 million. This award enables the purchase of three battery-electric buses. It represents a solid step toward a cleaner fleet.
Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) received $1.35 million. This funding supports site selection and design. A new bus facility is planned. It will feature state-of-the-art electric vehicle charging capabilities. This foundational investment prepares UCAT for future green transit.
New York's Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) oversees these programs. Its mission includes providing a safe, reliable, and equitable system. The focus extends to environmental protection and economic well-being. These zero-emission initiatives align perfectly with that mission. They foster healthier communities statewide.
Beyond zero-emission vehicle expansion, New York invests broadly in infrastructure. Governor Hochul recently announced other vital projects. A separate $8.7 million project completed bridge rehabilitation. Two key bridges in Suffolk County saw critical upgrades. This demonstrates a holistic approach to modernizing New York's infrastructure. The state ensures both environmental sustainability and structural integrity.
These combined efforts highlight New York's commitment to progress. The state is establishing itself as a leader. It champions clean transportation options. It creates a greener future for its residents. The transition to zero-emission fleets provides tangible benefits. It means cleaner air. It reduces the state's carbon footprint. It enhances the quality of life for New Yorkers.
The move to electric and hydrogen power is not merely a trend. It is a strategic imperative. It addresses global climate challenges locally. New York's robust funding shows serious dedication. It provides the necessary resources for this complex transition. Public transit agencies gain the tools needed to innovate. They can now build truly sustainable transportation networks.
The long-term vision is clear. New York will boast a comprehensive, interconnected green transit system. Every investment contributes to this grand scheme. From new bus acquisitions to charging stations, each piece is vital. The Empire State charts a course toward a healthier, more sustainable tomorrow. It is a future powered by clean energy and forward-thinking policies.
New York is aggressively pursuing a sustainable future. The state makes significant strides in green transportation. Governor Kathy Hochul announced a major funding allocation. Nearly $80 million will bolster zero-emission vehicle adoption. This funding targets seven public transit providers. It marks a critical step towards New York's ambitious climate goals. The initiative will transform public transportation across the state.
The Zero-Emission Transit Transition Program (ZETT) is central to this effort. ZETT supports transit agencies in acquiring eco-friendly vehicles. It also funds essential charging and fueling infrastructure. The program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It promotes cleaner air for communities statewide. New York set a bold agenda for energy transition. These investments move the state closer to its clean energy objectives.
The ZETT program initially committed $100 million. An additional $20 million was secured in the FY26 Enacted Budget. This brings the total to $120 million. Transit authorities and municipalities are eligible recipients. The program focuses on non-MTA entities. It excludes intercity bus operators. This ensures targeted support for local public transit networks.
Several key regions will benefit from the latest awards. Each project addresses specific local needs. These investments will create modern, green transit systems.
The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) received $17.5 million. This funding supports a new training and maintenance facility. The facility will cater to a zero-emission fleet. It serves Schenectady, Montgomery, and parts of Saratoga Counties. CDTA will also acquire two hydrogen-electric/fuel-cell buses. This enhances their green fleet capabilities.
The Central New York Regional Transportation Authority (Centro) also secured $17.5 million. Centro will consolidate facilities and operations in Oneida County. This move supports their zero-emission fleet transition. Potential expansion into Madison and Herkimer Counties is planned. New battery-electric and hydrogen-electric/fuel-cell vehicles are part of this investment.
The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) gained $17.5 million. They will install two lanes of charging infrastructure. This upgrade targets the Cold Spring Bus Garage. Eighteen battery-electric buses will join their fleet. A feasibility study is also underway. It will assess infrastructure needs for future expansion. This includes the Frontier and Babcock Bus Garages.
Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RTS) was awarded $17.5 million. RTS will update its operations building. Utility and safety improvements are key. These upgrades will accommodate hydrogen-electric/fuel-cell buses. The project includes ten new hydrogen-electric/fuel-cell buses. This strengthens their commitment to clean energy.
Suffolk County Transit received $5 million. This funding directly supports new vehicle purchases. They will acquire twelve battery-electric buses. This significantly boosts their zero-emission options.
Broome County Transit secured $3.34 million. This award enables the purchase of three battery-electric buses. It represents a solid step toward a cleaner fleet.
Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) received $1.35 million. This funding supports site selection and design. A new bus facility is planned. It will feature state-of-the-art electric vehicle charging capabilities. This foundational investment prepares UCAT for future green transit.
New York's Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) oversees these programs. Its mission includes providing a safe, reliable, and equitable system. The focus extends to environmental protection and economic well-being. These zero-emission initiatives align perfectly with that mission. They foster healthier communities statewide.
Beyond zero-emission vehicle expansion, New York invests broadly in infrastructure. Governor Hochul recently announced other vital projects. A separate $8.7 million project completed bridge rehabilitation. Two key bridges in Suffolk County saw critical upgrades. This demonstrates a holistic approach to modernizing New York's infrastructure. The state ensures both environmental sustainability and structural integrity.
These combined efforts highlight New York's commitment to progress. The state is establishing itself as a leader. It champions clean transportation options. It creates a greener future for its residents. The transition to zero-emission fleets provides tangible benefits. It means cleaner air. It reduces the state's carbon footprint. It enhances the quality of life for New Yorkers.
The move to electric and hydrogen power is not merely a trend. It is a strategic imperative. It addresses global climate challenges locally. New York's robust funding shows serious dedication. It provides the necessary resources for this complex transition. Public transit agencies gain the tools needed to innovate. They can now build truly sustainable transportation networks.
The long-term vision is clear. New York will boast a comprehensive, interconnected green transit system. Every investment contributes to this grand scheme. From new bus acquisitions to charging stations, each piece is vital. The Empire State charts a course toward a healthier, more sustainable tomorrow. It is a future powered by clean energy and forward-thinking policies.