NEW YORK STATE ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Over $4 Million Awarded For Zero-Emission Transportation Projects In Downstate New York

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) today (March 12) announced over $4.5 million in funding awarded to two projects that will enhance zero-emission transportation connections in downstate New York. Through the State's Clean Mobility Program, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and Westchester County will launch affordable, on-demand electric micro mobility options and rideshare services to improve first and last mile connections, serve transportation deserts, and connect more New York commuters and residents to jobs and local services, including in underserved communities.

NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, "New York State's investment to expand community access to clean transportation will help more New Yorkers meet their daily needs and connect to local amenities and jobs in the region. The partnerships forged here with the MTA and Westchester County include zero-emission projects such as bike storage and rideshare services in multiple locations to provide affordable and flexible mobility choices."

NYSERDA's Clean Mobility Program competitively awards funding to local governments, transit operators, and community-based organizations for demonstration projects that expand access to innovative clean mobility solutions including electric bicycles (e-bikes), electric scooters (e-scooters), on-demand electric vehicle (EV) rideshares or services, and charging hubs to support those services. The awarded projects include service in disadvantaged communities , as defined by the New York State Climate Justice Working Group, and all projects are required to comply with New York State safety standards, such as being UL-certified, and state and local transportation regulations.

The awarded projects include:

• Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) was awarded over $1.5 million to install and operate internet-enabled, enclosed bike racks at the commuter rail stations so riders can securely store bikes and e-bikes. These innovative bike racks will be piloted at up to eight commuter rail stations across the MTA's Metro North and Long Island Rail Road service areas, including sites in Dutchess County, Suffolk County, and Westchester County.
• Westchester County was awarded $3 million to demonstrate a zero-emission, on-demand micro transit service accommodating up to five electric vehicles in Peekskill. The new shuttle service will bring faster, more direct and reliable access to workplaces and community destinations, as well as improved connections to Metro North train service and the Bee-Line bus network.

These projects are in addition to $3 million awarded to the New York City Department of Transportation in December 2025 to provide electrical connections for safe and secure public e-bike charging, plus one year of secure public e-bike parking operations at locations in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx.

Today's announcement signals the progress made through Clean Mobility Program, launched in June 2024, which has awarded $2.9 million in planning grants to 29 community-led projects to enhance planning for shared electric transportation solutions in New York. In July 2025, Governor Hochul announced over $21 million available through a second round of funding for product demonstration and awards are expected to be announced in summer of 2026.

New York State Department of Public Service CEO Rory M. Christian said, "NYSERDA's decision to award projects that prioritize affordability, accessibility, and end-to-end sustainable transit options will have an overall positive effect on the numerous clean and electric mobility initiatives overseen by the Commission and State at large. Effective policy solutions should align with and enhance the existing fabric of daily life inside of communities, and today's funding announcement by NYSERDA is recognition of that principle."

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "By making smart, targeted investments in zero-emission transportation initiatives, New York State is connecting our vibrant communities. The funding provided through The Clean Mobility Program, as well as from NYSDOT's Innovative Mobility Initiative and Zero-Emission Transit Transition Program (ZETT), will help reduce vehicle emissions while also expanding transit options and facilitating safe and efficient travel for all New Yorkers."

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, "DEC applauds this effort to help close a transportation gap for residents while supporting cleaner and safer commutes. The expansion of these services will help ensure individuals and families have more affordable and streamlined services while reducing air pollution in their own communities."

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said, "Westchester County is proud to partner with NYSERDA to advance innovative transportation solutions that make it easier for residents to get where they need to go. This funding will allow us to launch a zero-emission micro transit service that expands connections to public transportation while improving mobility for communities in and around Peekskill. Investing in cleaner vehicles and flexible transit options will help ensure that transportation in Westchester is more accessible, sustainable and responsive to the needs of our residents."

MTA President of Construction and Development Jamie Torres-Springer said, "Increasing access and connections to MTA service is one of our top priorities to make sure New Yorkers can get where they need to go safely and efficiently. Thanks to our partners at NYSERDA, we have the opportunity to help meet the growing demand for bike infrastructure and extend our reach into more communities."

Assemblymember Didi Barrett said, "NYSERDA's announcement of $4.5 million in funding to promote zero-emission transportation connections will help expand clean mobility options for many New Yorkers. I especially look forward to seeing more on demand transit services and innovative bike racks to serve travelers at Dutchess County's Poughkeepsie, New Hamburg, and Wassaic MetroNorth train stations."

Senator Kevin Parker said, "New Yorkers deserve transportation that is clean, reliable, and accessible to everyone. I have long championed investments in electric mobility and sustainable transit, and today's announcement reflects the progress we can make when we commit to bold solutions. By expanding micro-mobility and zero-emission transportation options, we are connecting communities, creating opportunity, and protecting the health of our neighborhoods. I will continue pushing forward until clean transportation is the standard across New York."

Senator Jeremy Cooney said, "Today's announcement means affordable, clean transportation options, ensuring greater connectivity in underserved communities. I want to thank NYSERDA for their commitment to green transportation options and I'm proud to be their partner in this work."

An integral component of the Clean Mobility Program is the safe use of micro mobility devices. In July 2024, Governor Hochul signed legislation to encourage the safe use of e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries including that the guidelines and manufacturing standards adopted for e-mobility devices help consumers understand safety requirements and protocols, and provide information on purchasing, storage, and avoiding risks. A consumer safety guide for lithium-ion batteries was developed by The New York State Department of State and Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services and is available here . Together, these efforts help to raise awareness and educate consumers about how to safely and properly purchase, use, charge and maintain devices with lithium-ion batteries, including micro mobility options.

This program is part of New York's nearly $3 billion investment in zero-emission vehicles and growing access to clean transit to benefit all New Yorkers, including those in low-income or disadvantaged communities, by reducing emissions to create cleaner air and healthier communities. It complements New York State's other zero-emission transportation initiatives including the New York Clean Transportation Prizes Initiative, administered by NYSERDA, the New York State Department of Public Service (DPS) and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), as part of an $85 million allocation through New York's EV Make Ready program to accelerate the transition to a clean transportation future.

The program is funded through a combination of Clean Energy Fund (CEF), Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), and Micro Mobility Make-Ready funds.

New York State's Climate Agenda

New York State's climate agenda calls for an affordable and just transition to a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs, promotes economic growth through green investments, and directs a minimum of 35 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities. New York is advancing a suite of efforts to achieve an emissions-free economy by 2050, including in the energy, buildings, transportation, and waste sectors.

NYSERDA

Since 1975, NYSERDA has been working to advance New York's energy system and economy. As a public benefit corporation, NYSERDA has served as an objective source for information and technical expertise to drive innovation and investment. NYSERDA professionals have worked to protect the environment and help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. To learn more about NYSERDA's programs and funding opportunities, visit nyserda.ny.gov .