SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE NEARLY $9 MILLION FOR BROOME COUNTY TO PURCHASE 7 NEW CLEAN ELECTRIC BUSES, BOOSTING PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE AND CLEANER ENVIROMENT FOR THE SOUTHERN TIER
Broome County Bus Transit System Is Essential To Southern Tier Economy – With Routes To Binghamton And Endicott, Ensuring Residents Can Get To Work, To Health Care Visits, Shop and Visit Friends and Relatives
Senators Secure Highly Competitive Federal “Low & No Emission Grant” For Broome County To Accelerate Electrification Goals With New Buses, Building On Millions Already Delivered From Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Schumer: Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Is Helping Put Broome County’s Public Transit On The Road To A Cleaner Future
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced an $8,883,743 award from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Low and No Emission Vehicle Grant Program for the Broome County Department of Public Transportation (BC Transit). This funding which comes via the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law championed by the senators, which will allow BC Transit to purchase up to 7 new electric buses that will replace older, dirty, diesel-fueled buses in the fleet, helping strengthen public transit services while ensuring cleaner air in the Southern Tier.
“Bus service is a lifeline for many Broome County residents, and thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law 7 brand new, efficient electric buses will soon be rolling out to provide a smooth commute and ensuring a cleaner air at every stop along the way,” said Senator Schumer. “I fought to deliver this funding because investment in Broome County’s transportation infrastructure is investment in the future of our region. This funding will keep the wheels of our local economy rolling and put Southern Tier residents on the road to a brighter future while also giving residents a cleaner commute.”
“BC Transit provides critical services to millions of riders in the Southern Tier. This nearly $9 million in federal funding will bring as many as 7 new electric buses to Broome County and help BC Transit continue to provide fast, reliable service, all while reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I’m proud to announce this federal funding made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that will go toward boosting Broome Country public transportation and creating a cleaner environment. I will keep fighting to make sure that New York State remains a leader in clean transportation and the fight against climate change.”
Schumer has a long history of delivering major federal funding to Broome County to boost its bus infrastructure. In 2021, the senators helped deliver $3,255,276 for Broome County to help purchase six electric buses for their fleet. Between the buses awarded in 2021, and the buses awarded this cycle, almost 30% of BC Transit’s fleet will be fossil fuel free, bringing the agency closer to full electrification. This investment will allow the agency to replace seven out-of-date diesel buses that are no longer reliable. A portion of the federal funding will also be used to install solar panels linked to a battery electric storage system at BC Transit’s bus garage facility, which will reduce electrical grid dependency and ensure uninterrupted service in the event of a power outage. The battery electric buses will be used on fixed routes in disadvantaged communities, ensuring that clean, dependable transportation is available, and helping to improve the physical health and quality of life of local residents.
Schumer and Gillibrand also previously secured $10.7 million for BC Transit in the CARES Act, $2,390,194 in the American Rescue Plan, which was later awarded an additional $1,819,219 from the ARP’s Additional Assistance program, to keep the transit service operating and safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law included a historic $5.6 billion for the Low- or No- Emission Bus Grants program, which helped fund today’s award. The USDOT’s Low-No Program awards capital investment grants for the acquisition of low- or zero-emission buses. This program finances the acquisition of buses, ancillary equipment, and the construction of bus facilities, like maintenance facilities, garages, storage areas and bus terminals.
A copy of Senator Schumer’s original letter to Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg pushing for the funding awarded today appears below:
I am pleased to write on behalf of Broome County Transit’s (BC Transit) application for funding through the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Low- or No-Emission Grant Program. This funding will support the advancement of eco-friendly public transportation, infrastructure, and economic development efforts in Broome County.
There are many residents of Broome County who rely on the transportation services provided by BC Transit for their daily needs and commutes. BC Transit is committed to continuing to move toward a fully electric bus system that meets the needs of residents and improves the reliability of the transportation services it offers.
Funding will enable BC Transit to further modernize its fleet by acquiring seven (7) battery electric buses. These zero-emission buses and the supporting charging infrastructure will replace older diesel buses and reduce Broome County’s net direct carbon emissions; an important benefit to both the environment and the health of the local community.
I applaud BC Transit for its continued service to the people of Broome County and hope the application is met with your approval. Thank you for your consideration.
###
