The Rochester-Genessee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA) was awarded a $1.3 million grant to finance an upgrade of five new buses from conventional diesel to hybrid diesel-electric propulsion. The funding will be received from The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority -- a public benefit corporation funding research on energy supply and efficiency, as well as energy related environmental issues. Diesel-electric propulsion buses achieve significantly lower emissions, higher fuel economy, reduced brake maintenance and better acceleration than a convention diesel powered vehicle. The grant covers up to $250,000 per bus to upgrade from conventional diesel to the hybrid technology. It also allows for modifications to garage facilities to accommodate the new vehicles. RGRTA plans to purchase five new buses by the end of this year to be delivered in 2005. "Upgrading our fleet with hybrid buses will allow RGRTA to operate with state-of-the-art equipment offering efficiencies in fuel and maintenance costs," said Donald J. Riley, CEO of RGRTA.
RGRTA wins $1.3 million for diesel-electric buses
Rochester-Genessee (N.Y.) plans to purchase five new buses by the end of this year to be delivered in 2005.
More Management
Inez Evans Benson on Rethinking Transit Through Customer Experience
The WSP leader discusses why agencies must look beyond satisfaction metrics and take a more holistic, community-driven approach to service.
Read More →
Alstom Delivers First Multilevel III NJ TRANSIT Commuter Railcar
The delivery marks the first car in a 374‑vehicle order and begins the arrival of a new generation of higher‑capacity, more reliable, and more comfortable trains for one of the country’s busiest commuter rail systems.
Read More →
Cincinnati Metro Begins Countywide Bus Stop Sign Upgrade
Metro launches a 24-month project to replace 3,700 bus stop signs, introducing improved visibility, QR-enabled rider info, and expanded amenities across Hamilton County.
Read More →
San Francisco's BART Breaks Multiple Records for Post-Pandemic Ridership in March
BART recorded 5,403,140 exits in March, making it the highest monthly ridership since the pandemic and surpassing the previous high set in October 2025 (5,346,890 exits).
Read More →
Transit Leader Rod Diridon Sr., ‘Father of Modern Transit’ in Silicon Valley, Dies at 87
See how the longtime public servant and transportation visionary helped shape Bay Area transit systems and championed rail development nationwide.
Read More →
Intercity Bus Industry Outlook: A Mix of Apprehension & Optimism
Industry leaders see both promise and peril ahead as intercity bus travel rebounds, but unpredictable market forces threaten to reshape the sector.
Read More →
Philadelphia's SEPTA Celebrates New Ardmore Station
The station was rebuilt as part of SEPTA’s Station Accessibility Program, making it fully ADA accessible with new elevators, ramps, and high-level platforms.
Read More →
SEPTA Releases Proposed $2.7B Fiscal Year 2027 Budget
The plan represents an increase of just 1.9% over the current year, and includes investments in new buses, more full-length fare gates, and other enhancements for customers.
Read More →
Metra Reaches New 10-Year Agreement with BNSF
The announcement highlights the long-standing partnership between the Class I railroad and the commuter rail system, dating back to Metra's creation in 1983.
Read More →
Bus Tech Talk: AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Leadership, Mentorship, and a Career in Transit
In Part 1, Blandon shares his journey from the U.S. Marines to a leadership role in public transit, along with insights on mentorship and professional growth within the industry.
Read More →