U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $767,500 in federal funding for the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA), which serves the Capital Region through its extensive transit system. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Transit Authority (FTA). This funding will allow the CDTA to purchase 20 40-foot, ultra-low sulfur diesel buses. These new buses will cut down on maintenance expenses and make CDTA’s system more reliable as a whole.
“CDTA buses keep New York’s Capital Region running smoothly. Residents and commuters across the region rely on these buses day in and day out to get to work in the morning and home to their families at night,” said Schumer. “These 20 new buses will not only cut down on maintenance costs and route delays, but make the CDTA transit system more reliable and efficient as a whole.”
“These federal funds through the U.S. Department of Transportation would allow the Capital District Transportation Authority to invest in new, cleaner-running public buses,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This is a major investment for the Capital Region that would help strengthen our transportation infrastructure, allowing for continued efficient service for regional commuters while reducing congestion and air pollution.”
“We would like to thank Senator Charles Schumer for his continued support and tenacity in ensuring public transportation initiatives are funded,” said CDTA CEO Carm Basile. “This $767,500 grant will allow CDTA to continue our ‘green’ efforts in exploring and purchasing electric vehicles to add to our fleet. This funding allows us to stay on the cutting edge of fleet advancements and for an enhanced customer experience.”
This funding is awarded through the Buses and Bus Facilities Program and is administered by DOT’s Federal Transit Authority. The Buses and Bus Facilities Program provides grants on a competitive basis and formula allocations to update and purchase buses and to build bus-related facilities, including technological innovations to modify low or no emission vehicles or facilities. More information about this FTA bus program can be accessed on their grant website.
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