The Broome County Department of Public Transportation (B.C. Transit) will be integrating eight new clean diesel buses into its fleet to replace vehicles that are more than 14 years old.
Broome County Executive Jason Garnar, U.S. Rep. Anthony Brindisi (D-NY-22) and Broome County Department of Public Transportation Commissioner Greg Kilmer, among other local leaders, participated in an event Feb. 22 to lay out details of the new buses.
“We’re excited to place these eight beautiful new buses into service,” Commissioner Kilmer said. “Support from state, federal and local officials is vital in continuing the effort to rebuild public transportation infrastructure in Broome County."
The total cost of the project is $3,574,976 with the price per bus at $446,872. State capital funding covered more than 71 percent of the project cost with 25 percent covered by federal formula funding and 14 percent covered by the county. Officials note that of the more than $3.5 million project, only $112,000 will be paid for by local taxpayers.
The county says the new clean diesel Gillig buses will offer cleaner emissions, lower fuel consumption and a lower cost per mile to operate, in addition to offering riders a more comfortable and pleasant experience.
“Getting new, more efficient buses on the road is great news for Broome County,” said Rep. Brindisi. “Investing in our public transportation helps keep our communities safe, healthy and economically secure."
By the beginning of 2020, B.C. Transit will have replaced 30 buses, a full two thirds of the fleet dedicated to the fixed route transit system.
