Chuck Schumer, the majority leader of the U.S. Senate, declared on Thursday that the Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority will receive nearly $23 million for a fuel cell, zero-emission bus program (RGRTA).
Senator Schumer clarified that RGRTA was chosen as the winner of the Low and No Emission Vehicle Program Program, which he defined as a competitive grant.
According to Senator Schumer, “This funding will establish a state-of-the-art operational hub for RGRTA’s paratransit service and its hundreds of staff members that will help streamline service, ensure buses arrive on time, and now provide riders with a new hydrogen-powered bus ride that will help the environment at every stop along the way.”
Particularly, the RGRTA will get approximately $7 million for the bus program and $16 million for the construction of a new RTS facility. According to officials, this will modernize RTS’s infrastructure and enhance planning, upkeep, storage, and evaluations of transportation requirements.
According to Bill Carpenter, CEO of RGRTA, “These investments expedite our capacity to deliver innovative transportation alternatives and zero-emission technology that will enable RGRTA to improve access to key locations, safeguard the environment, and continue being accountable stewards of public funds.”
RGRTA is one of five public transportation systems in the state that is aiming to have a fleet of zero-emission buses, according to city and state officials.
