Governor Hochul Announces New York State’s Largest Electrified Bus Depot Operating in Buffalo

 

New High-Tech Charging Systems by New York Power Authority Make Charging Easy for Zero-Emission Transit Buses; Construction Allows for Future Expansion

Lower Emissions by Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Fleet Help Build Healthier Communities and Advance New York State’s Clean Energy Goals

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the largest electrified bus depot in New York State is now operational in Buffalo, advancing the transition to a clean public transit system that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and improves the air for residents in congested urban areas. With 36 overhead charging systems in the Cold Spring maintenance garage and a new sub-station built to accommodate future expansion, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) project will serve as a model for transit agencies around the state to transition from diesel fuel-powered transportation. NFTA plans for the Cold Spring garage to solely support zero-emission vehicles by 2035.

“We are building a transportation infrastructure that is cleaner, healthier and more sustainable, and the Buffalo bus depot is the newest feature of our efforts,” Governor Hochul said. “Our investment in electrified buses and charging infrastructure not only improves the environmental impact of the fleet itself, but encourages New Yorkers to make public transportation their first choice – resulting in cleaner air and a greener future for everyone.”

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) oversaw the design and installation of the overhead charging systems in four bus lanes at the Cold Spring garage over the last couple of years. The bus lanes were reconfigured for electric buses and the roof structure was reinforced to accommodate high-tech overhead pantograph dispensers. The new NFTA-owned substation was designed so it can be expanded to allow for full electrification.

New York State's Nation-Leading Climate Plan
New York State's climate agenda calls for an orderly and just transition that creates family-sustaining jobs, continues to foster a green economy across all sectors and ensures that at least 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities. Guided by some of the nation’s most aggressive climate and clean energy initiatives, New York is advancing a suite of efforts – including the New York Cap-and-Invest program (NYCI) and other complementary policies – to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 and 85 percent by 2050 from 1990 levels. New York is also on a path to achieving a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and economy-wide carbon neutrality by mid-century. A cornerstone of this transition is New York's unprecedented clean energy investments, including more than $28 billion in 61 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the State, $6.8 billion to reduce building emissions, $3.3 billion to scale up solar, nearly $3 billion for clean transportation initiatives and 130 certified Climate Smart Communities, over 500 Clean Energy Communities, and the State’s largest community air monitoring initiative in 10 disadvantaged communities across the State to help target air pollution and combat climate change.