Summary
- The largest electrified bus depot in New York State is now operational in Buffalo, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality.
- The Cold Spring maintenance garage has 36 overhead charging systems and a new sub-station for future expansion, serving as a model for transitioning to zero-emission vehicles.
- The transition to electric buses reduces emissions, lowers maintenance costs, and improves air quality, especially in disadvantaged communities.
- NFTA plans to operate a 100% zero-emission bus fleet by 2035, with support from funding sources like the Federal Transit Administration and NYSDOT.
- Pantograph chargers allow buses to automatically connect to ceiling-mounted chargers, reducing the need for manual charging and improving efficiency.
Article
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the operationalization of the largest electrified bus depot in New York State in Buffalo, which aims to transition to a clean public transit system to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality in urban areas. The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) project features 36 overhead charging systems in the Cold Spring maintenance garage and a new substation for future expansion. NFTA plans to transition to solely supporting zero-emission vehicles by 2035, setting a model for other transit agencies in the state.
The design and installation of the overhead charging systems in the bus lanes at the Cold Spring garage were overseen by the New York Power Authority (NYPA). The bus lanes were reconfigured for electric buses, and the roof structure was reinforced to accommodate high-tech overhead pantograph dispensers. NYPA aims to support the transition of municipal bus fleets to clean air technologies to lower emissions and improve air quality throughout New York State. The Buffalo depot serves as an example of how new charging infrastructure can enable transit agencies to convert from diesel to electric power.
Electric transit buses offer various benefits such as no tailpipe emissions, lower maintenance costs, and reduced use of fossil fuels. These transitions will help improve air quality, especially in disadvantaged communities that are disproportionately affected by vehicle air pollution. NFTA has received its first battery electric bus in 2022 and plans to have a 100 percent zero-emission bus fleet by 2035. The pantograph chargers installed in the garage can fully charge a bus in about six hours, making the charging process more efficient.
National Grid supported the electric grid upgrade and funded the substation for the NFTA garage, while NYPA installed the chargers with the help of partners such as PlugIn Stations Online, Black & Veatch, Ferguson Electric, ABB, and Heliox. NFTA received funding from the Federal Transit Administration and the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) to support the costs of charging infrastructure and the purchase of battery electric buses. The state’s allocation of the Volkswagen Settlement also provided funds for charging infrastructure and the purchase of electric buses to support the transition towards zero-emissions fleets.
A study led by NYPA, NYSERDA, and the NYCDOT helped develop plans for the NFTA garage and address various building systems, mechanics’ training, utility upgrades, route analysis, and funding programs. NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris highlighted the importance of advancing clean public transportation to lower emissions and improve air quality. The New York State Department of Transportation remains committed to creating a safe and reliable transportation network that enhances community health, quality of life, and environmental sustainability. DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar emphasized Governor Hochul’s commitment to clean transportation and investments in electrification to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions across the state.
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