Broome County announces eight new “clean-diesel” buses are on the road

VESTAL, N.Y. — Eight new “clean-diesel” buses are now part of the BC Transit fleet providing public transportation in Broome County, replacing buses that are more than 14 years old.

These buses will offer “cleaner emissions, lower fuel consumption and lower cost per mile to operate,” the office of Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said in a news release.

U.S. Representative Anthony Brindisi (D–Utica) and Greg Kilmer, commissioner of the Broome County Department of Public Transportation, joined Garnar for the Friday announcement.

“We’re excited to place these eight beautiful new buses into service,” Kilmer said. “Support from state, federal and local officials is vital in continuing the effort to rebuild public transportation infrastructure in Broome County.”

The buses cost more than $3.5 million, per the release. State funding is covering more than $2.5 million, while federal dollars cover nearly $900,000. Broome County taxpayers are contributing more than $112,000 of the total cost.

“Getting new, more efficient buses on the road is great news for Broome County,” Brindisi said in the release. “Investing in our public transportation helps keep our communities safe, healthy, and economically secure… I commend County Executive Garnar and Commissioner Kilmer for their commitment to improving transportation options for our community.”

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com