Rochester, NY – U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $1,000,000 in federal funding for the Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority. The funding was allocated through the Department of Transportation (DOT) FY 2017 Low or No-Emission Vehicle (Low-No) Competitive Program. Specifically, the Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority will use the funding to purchase electric buses, maintenance equipment, and charging system.
“Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority buses keep the engine of the regional economy humming; service is vital for families across the Finger Lakes Region,” said Senator Schumer. “New equipment and low emission vehicles will enable more commuters to get to work each morning and allow residents to shop and enjoy the region’s many recreational activities on the weekends – and reduce air pollution.”
“These federal funds will help the Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority invest in new energy efficient, cleaner-running public buses, and additional support equipment,” said Senator Gillibrand. “RGRTA will be able to continue providing efficient service for commuters while reducing air pollution and congestion. I will continue to fight for funding in the Senate to help our local communities make the necessary investments to upgrade and improve transportation infrastructure in the region.”
“This is great news for RTS and our customers,” said Bill Carpenter, RTS CEO. “Along with the five electric buses that were announced earlier this year, this funding allows us to increase that to six buses with zero emissions that will be added to our fleet, along with the infrastructure we need to charge them. I thank our representatives in Congress for their continued support and for helping RTS provide better transit that drives better communities.”