New York State announces $100m in funding for electric buses

• $100 million worth of state funding has been allocated to assist bus operators in New York State in making the transition to zero-emission vehicles, such as fully-electric buses.
• The funding can be used towards acquisition of vehicles themselves, and related facilities such as charging hubs and stations.
• Applications for funding are being accepted through to April 2025, with a minimum grant request of $500,000.

The funding is to be allocated to bus operators beyond New York’s public authority transportation service, MTA. This specific group already has a goal in place of operating a 100% zero-emission bus fleet by 2040. The move is just one of many sustainable transport moves made within the state in recent months. New York City this week became the first U.S. city to implement a congestion charge, while public charging facilities in the state continue to expand.

New York Governor, Kathy Hochul, said:

“Transportation is an important front in our battle against climate change and we must explore every avenue to reduce greenhouse emissions from this vital sector. This funding will encourage transit agencies to incorporate more zero-emission vehicles into their fleets, which will lead to cleaner air in our neighborhoods and help us stave off the impacts of climate change.”

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State Department of Transportation Commissioner, Marie Therese Dominguez, added:

“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. The Zero-Emission Transit Transition Program will further our efforts to reduce carbon emissions by helping local transit agencies stock their fleets with climate friendly vehicles. This is a great opportunity for communities across New York to invest in zero emissions transit and I encourage all eligible agencies and entities to apply.”

Elsewhere in the U.S., electric bus fleets are also growing in size. Utah’s Zion National Park recently became the first National Park to have a 100% fully-electric bus fleet.