Watch Video of the Press Conference.
September 21, 2018 -- With clean air, efficiency and performance at the forefront – Westchester County Executive George Latimer announced that the County’s Bee-Line Bus fleet is expanding with 78 diesel-electric buses. The 60-foot articulated transit buses are provided by New Flyer of America, Inc., with a battery electric component supplied by BAE Systems’ Power & Propulsion Division. Over time the clean diesel-electric buses will save the County over 850,000 gallons of fuel, while preventing 12,400 tons of greenhouse gas emissions from polluting the environment.
Latimer said: “Westchester County’s decision to put our Bee-Line fleet ahead of electric innovation ties directly into our mission to help the County become more cognizant of our environment. By adding hybrid buses to our transit system, we are reducing our environmental impact through lower emissions and supporting a healthier community.”
Less than half of the $89 million dollar bus contract with New Flyer is funded with County money, with some $25 million provided by New York State and $27 million funded by the federal government. The diesel-electric buses can operate up to one mile on battery power alone, and are equipped with start-stop technology that automatically shuts down and restarts the internal combustion engine to reduce the amount of time the engine is idling, or stopped at a roadway intersection thereby reducing fuel consumption.
United States Senator Chuck Schumer said: “Westchester County’s bus system is a lifeline for thousands of Westchester commuters and a boon to retail stores and employers. The addition of 78 brand new, environmentally-friendly diesel-electric buses to the Westchester County Bee-Line System is a tremendous news for county commuters. It is a win-win-win that delivers a clean and safe ride for commuters, reduces toxic air pollution and boosts the region’s stores and businesses. I was proud to deliver the federal funding that helped bring this band new bus fleet to the people of Westchester County.”
Congresswoman Nita Lowey said: “Thousands of Westchester residents depend on a reliable public transportation system in their daily lives. With this $27 million in federal funding, Westchester County can ensure that residents have access to a modernized, efficient transportation infrastructure that meets their needs. As the Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Committee, which oversees federal funding allocations, I will continue to make sure that the Lower Hudson Valley has the resources to serve residents, support economic growth, and prosper.”
Congressman Eliot Engel said: “Expanding our use of alternative fuel vehicles is critical to combat global climate change and position ourselves as leaders in the global economy of tomorrow. As a senior member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, I have successfully fought to expand the federal government’s use of alternative fuel vehicles, and I am pleased to see Westchester County take similar steps using the federal dollars we helped procure. County Executive Latimer has done a great job in looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint, and these new hybrid buses will not only achieve that goal, they will also make Westchester a cleaner, more beautiful place to live.”
Senator Shelley Mayer said: “I am thrilled for Westchester County residents and public transit users that the County’s Bee-Line Bus fleet is expanding with 78 diesel-electric buses. I helped lead the fight to increase capital funding for the Bee-Line Bus System in this year’s state budget as a down-payment on our obligation to fund public transit in Westchester County. Congratulations to County Executive George Latimer and the County Board of Legislators for these environmentally conscious public transit upgrades. With less than half of the cost of the 78 new hybrid buses coming from property taxpayers, I am encouraged by the County’s sound fiscal and environmental leadership. The Bee-Line Bus System serves thousands of people in my district, and for many, it remains the only way to get to work, go to school, or do their shopping. I will continue to work with my colleagues in various levels of government to ensure proper resources are dedicated to public transit.”
Assemblymember Amy Paulin said: "With today's announcement, Westchester County is once again proving itself to be a leader in energy efficiency while reducing health risks to our residents. As a past chair of the Assembly Committee on Energy, I know what a smart investment diesel-electric hybrid buses are. They consume less energy, cost less to maintain, and can dramatically reduce emissions like benzene, arsenic, dioxins, formaldehyde, and other toxic substances when compared to traditional diesel buses. This will be a win for all Westchester County residents and taxpayers."
Assemblyman Tom Abinanti said: “State/local joint efforts to better transportation systems with environment friendly technology is an important part of the strategy to deal with climate change. These buses will produce less greenhouse gases and give us more passenger miles with less fuel.”
Assemblyman David Buchwald said: “Westchester County and New York State are once again leading the way on positive and substantive environmental changes to our infrastructure. When we talk about protecting the environment and leaning into sustainability we mean it, and to be able to do it with Westchester’s buses is a great opportunity.”
Westchester County’s Bee-Line system is the second largest transit bus fleet in New York State, operated by the County’s Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T).
DPW&T Commissioner Hugh J. Greechan said: “BAE Systems is widely regarded as a proven industry leader in transit bus electrification. The hybrid buses are truly state-of-the-art in terms of clean air, performance and user friendliness, and double the efficiency of our current Bee-Line buses.”
President of New Flyer of America Wayne Joseph said: “Westchester County is innovating transit in the State of New York, by committing to lower emission transit solutions. We are honored to provide clean diesel-electric hybrid buses that better protect the environment and support a healthier community. With over 50 years of experience manufacturing zero-emission buses, our hybrid buses will help drive Westchester to a new frontier of sustainable transit.”
Vice President and General Manager for BAE Systems Steve Trichka said: “As a manufacturer with 2,000 committed employees in New York State, we are proud to be the chosen technology partner to help deliver more hybrid electric buses to Westchester County with our 2nd generation propulsion system – a system that will save the County money and help the environment. With technology that is designed and made in Endicott, New York, BAE Systems’ 2nd generation propulsion system services dozens of transportation systems around the world helping to decrease fuel use, increase efficiency, and reach emissions goals.”
The hybrid buses will be fully integrated into Westchester County’s Bee-Line fleet by the middle of 2019.