In a decisive move towards a greener New York, Governor Kathy Hochul has announced nearly $80 million in funding to promote the use of zero-emission vehicles across the state. The money is earmarked for seven transit providers and comes under the state’s Zero-Emission Transit Transition Program (ZETT), detailed in a press release from the Governor's office. ZETT is a piece of New York's larger climate initiative, which aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet the state's energy objectives. "Increasing the number of zero-emission transit vehicles in every corner of our state will deliver cleaner air and healthier communities across New York," Governor Hochul said.
Highlighting New York’s role as a leader in climate-conscious transportation, the funding aims to swiftly support local communities in shifting to cleaner transit solutions. New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez commented on the objective of the investments, "Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York continues to make targeted, smart investments in zero emission transit to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and NYSDOT’s ZETT program is focused on providing clean transportation alternatives for areas across the Empire State," according to the Governor's office. The financial support focuses on both the acquisition of zero-emission buses and the development of the necessary infrastructure to maintain them, such as charging and fueling stations.
Among the supported projects, the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) is set to receive $17.5 million for a project that includes new training and maintenance facilities, as well as the addition of two hydrogen-electric/fuel-cell buses. Similarly, $17.5 million has been awarded to the Central New York Regional Transportation Authority (Centro) for facility consolidation efforts and the purchase of next-generation transit vehicles. The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority's (NFTA) allocation also matches at $17.5 million for charging infrastructure and 18 electric buses, with provisions for a feasibility study for expansion.
State Senator Jeremy Cooney praised the initiative, emphasizing the connection between New York’s climate goals and its transportation and infrastructure plans. The state’s investment includes the purchase of 12 battery-electric buses for Suffolk County Transit and three for Broome County Transit, reflecting a broader effort to protect the environment while improving public transit. Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) will also use its funding to select a site and design a charging facility. Reinforcing its commitment to sustainable transportation, the FY26 Enacted Budget allocated an additional $20 million to the ZETT program.
Assembly Transportation Committee Chair William Magnarelli acknowledged the allocated funding and emphasized the role of infrastructure in supporting the transition to cleaner transit, particularly in Central New York.
