The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) will purchase 10 battery-electric buses from New Flyer of America Inc., with an option to purchase up to 140 more over a five-year period. The first 10 buses will cost $10.1 million and will be delivered in 2022.
“The purchase of the buses will help reduce Western New York’s carbon footprint,” said NFTA Executive Director Kim Minkel. “This is a major step forward for us and a move in alignment with Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s ongoing commitment for statewide clean energy. We are grateful to our elected officials, like Gov. Cuomo, Sen. Tim Kennedy, Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes, the entire WNY delegation along with our business and community partners for their help to make this happen.”
NFTA also explained the agreement, which was announced Feb. 26, was a major milestone in New York State’s and the NFTA’s ongoing effort to improve air quality for all.
The New York Power Authority (NYPA) will oversee the installation of state-of-the-art overhead motorized depot pantograph charging inside NFTA’s Cold Springs garage. Drivers will be able to park a bus inside the garage and the ceiling-mounted pantograph arm will automatically connect to the roof of the bus to charge its battery overnight.
“As one of the largest transit systems in New York State, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority’s decision to begin electrifying its buses speaks volumes about the importance of improving air quality in heavily trafficked areas,” said NYPA President and CEO Gil C. Quiniones. “NYPA is pleased to collaborate on modernizing the fleet to help decarbonize the transportation sector and help the state reach its clean energy goals. Decreasing emissions produced by diesel will combat climate change by developing cleaner, quieter, transportation that will lead to a more sustainable future.”
The electrification initiative is part of Gov. Cuomo’s plan to increase the number of electric buses in the state to mitigate climate change, create healthier communities, improve air quality and boost access to clean transportation in underserved communities. NFTA has committed to having 25 percent of its buses be electric by 2025 and 100 percent by 2035. Taking diesel-powered vehicles out of service reduces greenhouse gas emissions and improves air quality in support of New York’s clean energy and climate goals in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
