RTS is working towards the goal of having a 100% zero-emission bus fleet by 2040, as set forth by an executive order signed by Governor Kathy Hochul in 2022. RTS’ journey to a zero-emission fleet started in 2017 when New York State announced grant funding for the first five plug-in battery electric buses in the RTS fleet. Since then, RTS has added 20 battery electric buses and two hydrogen fuel cell buses to its fleet.

“Our mission at RTS is to provide safe, reliable, convenient, and sustainable transportation, and our pivot to hydrogen fuel cell technology for our buses will help us carry out that mission,” said RTS CEO Miguel Velázquez. “Hydrogen fuel cell buses give us a zero-emission vehicle that operates much more efficiently and are like diesel buses in terms of range and time to fuel. I thank our elected officials in Washington, Albany and here in the Rochester region, project and industry partners, community stakeholders, and the entire RTS team for helping us chart the course to a successful zero-emission transition.”

Since 2022, RTS has received $35.1 million in hydrogen fuel cell-related grant funding for 12 40-foot hydrogen fuel cell electric buses, five hydrogen fuel cell electric Ford Transit vans, one portable hydrogen refueler, and hydrogen-related facility upgrades. The estimated cost of one hydrogen fuel cell bus is approximately $1.4 million.

“Bringing the first hydrogen fuel cell buses to New York State right here in Rochester is a win-win-win that will reduce pollution, boost American jobs and provide residents with state-of-the-art buses,” said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. “I fought hard to secure the federal funding needed to support RTS’s zero-emission transition because reducing carbon emissions is essential not only for reducing global warming but also for public health and the quality of life in our communities. These new hydrogen buses will keep Rochester moving efficiently and sustainably while cutting harmful pollution, creating good-paying jobs, and positioning our region as a leader in clean transportation. I applaud RTS, its partners, and everyone who worked tirelessly to make today’s milestone possible.”

“RTS has always understood the importance of affordable and accessible public transportation for our families, and they’re never afraid to push boundaries or embrace new technologies to help expand their services to more Rochester neighborhoods,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “Today, I was proud to stand with them as we usher in the next innovative era of the RTS fleet: zero emission hydrogen fuel cell buses. The use of this leading-edge technology will help ensure RTS can continue serving our community while also doing their part to combat the climate crisis. I’m grateful to CEO Miguel Velázquez and their entire team for their partnership, and I look forward to our continued work together.”

“FTA is excited to support RTS as it introduces the first hydrogen fuel cell electric buses in the State of New York,” said Michael Culotta, Regional Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration, which provided $35.1 million to support the project. “It is important that American transit agencies continue to introduce cleaner, more efficient transit vehicles. FTA will continue supporting this transformative initiative that benefits Western New York and helps clean our shared environment."

State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “RTS is at the cutting edge of innovative, climate friendly transit solutions and today’s rollout of the first hydrogen fuel cell electric buses in New York State is indeed cause for celebration. A few years ago, I joined RTS at the official unveiling of the newest electric buses in its fleet, and now, just a few short years later, technology has evolved in the form of hydrogen fuel cell technology. I am excited and proud of the role New York State Department of Transportation is playing in this energy transition and thank our partners at USDOT as we leverage dollars provided to New York through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality grant, which funded these buses and is helping transit authorities across New York State embrace the potential of clean energy.”

“RTS has a vision for the future that is helping NY to meet its climate goals while continuing to offer reliable, safe transportation to our community. By adding two new hydrogen fuel cell electric buses to its fleet – the first in NYS – they are leading the way for a new generation of mass transit that is both equitable and energy efficient. This initiative would not be possible without the collaboration of federal, state and local lawmakers, as well as community partners, and I thank everyone for their work to bring zero-emissions transportation options to Rochester,” said Assemblymember Harry Bronson, Chair of Labor.

“The future of public transportation has officially arrived,” said Senator Jeremy Cooney. “With the first hydrogen fuel cell electric buses in operation across the state, RTS is now a prime example of how public transportation and sustainability go hand in hand. As the Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, I’m proud to support their efforts and continue our mission of ensuring a cleaner, greener New York State.”

“By being the first in NY State to add two hydrogen fuel cell electric buses to it’s fleet, RTS is taking significant steps to help reduce carbon emissions in the transportation sector,” said Assemblyman William Magnarelli, chair of the NYS Assembly Transportation Committee. “Their investments are an example of a possible smooth transition to clean transportation. New York is committed to Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goals and advancing equitable access to clean transportation.”

Cummins Hydrogen Power Takes Flight