New York is putting nearly $80 million behind a major push to get more zero-emission buses on the road — and not just in the big cities.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the funding October 14 as part of the state’s Zero-Emission Transit Transition Program (ZETT), which helps local transit agencies outside the MTA invest in climate-friendly vehicles and infrastructure.
Who’s getting the money?
Seven transit providers across the state will use the funding to buy electric and hydrogen-powered buses, upgrade bus garages, and plan for long-term expansion. Each project supports New York’s wider climate goals by cutting emissions and improving local air quality.
Here’s how the money breaks down:
- Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) – $17.5M for a new training and maintenance facility and two hydrogen-electric buses in Schenectady, Montgomery, and Saratoga Counties.
- Centro (Central New York) – $17.5M to consolidate Oneida County operations and add electric or hydrogen-electric buses.
- Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) – $17.5M for charging lanes, 18 battery-electric buses, and a study on expanding to two more garages.
- Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RTS) – $17.5M for hydrogen infrastructure upgrades and 10 new hydrogen-electric buses.
- Suffolk County Transit – $5M for 12 battery-electric buses.
- Broome County Transit – $3.34M for three battery-electric buses.
- Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) – $1.35M for planning and designing a new EV-ready bus facility.
Why this matters
Governor Hochul called the effort a key part of New York’s push toward clean energy and healthier communities. State transportation officials say the ZETT program gives local agencies a way to reduce emissions while improving transit options.
First launched in December 2024, the ZETT program has $100 million in total funding. The latest state budget added another $20 million to the pot.
Transit authorities, counties, and municipalities receiving state transit aid were eligible to apply. The MTA and intercity bus operators were not included in this round.
What’s next
The money sets the stage for wider shifts to electric and hydrogen buses across New York, with local projects already underway or gearing up for planning.
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