Centro to use federal funding to buy new low-emission buses

SYRACUSE — The Central New York Regional Transportation Authority (Centro) plans to purchase about nine low-emission buses for its upcoming Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. Centro will use a federal grant of more than $9 million to help buy the new buses. The funding will allow Centro to purchase custom-designed, compressed natural gas (CNG) buses built specifically for BRT service. The money is awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Low- or No-Emission Program, the office of U.S. Representative John Mannion (D–Geddes) said in an announcement. These buses will have a unique design and dedicated branding so riders can clearly identify them as part of the BRT system, the congressman’s office noted. Mannion joined Christopher Tuff, CEO of Centro; Nicholas Laino, chairman of the CNYRTA board of directors; Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh; and Syracuse Deputy Mayor and Mayor-elect Sharon Owens for the Dec. 22 announcement at Centro’s location at 200 Cortland Ave. in Syracuse. “Public transit is about people getting to work, getting to school, their medical appointments, shopping, family, and to get back home,” Mannion said in his remarks at the event. “Riders expect buses that are clean, consistent, on time, and reliable, and Centro delivers.” The congressman went on to say the investment also aligns directly with the ongoing Interstate 81 viaduct-replacement project. As the community rebuilds and maintains its transportation network, transit has to be modern, accessible, flexible, and connected to the neighborhoods and institutions that make the city and region work. “And BRT is a key part of that,” Mannion said. In his remarks, Centro’s Tuff called the grant funding “exciting progress” for public transportation here in Syracuse as officials continue working to improve the region for investment. “We’re in the process of a system redesign, which will segue into the BRT project in 2028,” Tuff said. “This funding is just another piece to keep BRT moving forward.” The buses that Centro will purchase with the grant money will be different than the ones that are currently in service, Tuff noted. “If you’re a customer that’s waiting at one of our unique BRT stops along James Street, you will see that that’s a BRT bus coming my way,” Tuff contended. “You’ll know the difference. You’ll see the difference and identify that that’s the bus I need to be on.” Syracuse’s BRT system is designed to provide faster, more reliable, and more frequent transit service, connecting neighborhoods with downtown, University Hill, major employers, health-care institutions, and the transit hub, per the Mannion announcement. The bus service runs every 12-15 minutes.