By a unanimous vote, the Westchester County Board of Legislators approved a $4,475,000 bond – with an additional $2,125,000 of Federal funds being used – for the purchase of electric transit buses intended to replace existing diesel fuel buses in the County’s fleet. This move will also save the County money due to less reliance on costly diesel fuel.
County Executive George Latimer said: “My Administration has made it a priority to replace our existing bus fleet with new, cleaner models. This is another step in that direction. As we move to a more sustainable future, mass transit – and clean mass transit – must play a larger role.”
Director of Energy & Sustainability Director Pete McCartt said: “Westchester is investing in our climate future – and its investments like these that are necessary if we are going to beat back the existential threat that is climate change.”
Early in his administration Latimer, announced that the County’s Bee-Line Bus fleet would be expanding with 78 diesel-electric 60 foot buses, 40 diesel-electric 40 foot buses and 2 full electric busses. The clean diesel-electric buses and the full electric busses have been credited with already saving the County over 1 million gallons of fuel, while preventing 18,400 tons of greenhouse gas emissions from polluting the environment.
These buses will be fully electric and further advances that goal.
County Department of Public Works & Transportation Commissioner Hugh Greechan said: “Our Department’s goal is to create a cleaner and more sustainable bus fleet to serve Westchester County residents. This Bond furthers this goal enabling us to incorporate 6 Full Electric Buses and Charging Stations into our fleet.”