SYRACUSE, NY — Representative John W. Mannion today announced a $9.28 million federal grant to purchase new low-emission buses for the Central New York Regional Transportation Authority’s (CENTRO) Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
The funding, awarded through the Federal Department of Transportation’s Low- or No-Emission Program, will allow CENTRO to purchase custom-designed, compressed natural gas (CNG) buses built specifically for BRT service. These buses will feature a unique design and dedicated branding so riders can clearly identify them as part of the BRT system. The grant will cover the cost of approximately nine new busses.
Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) said, “This is a significant investment in local transit that will reduce emissions, improve reliability, and deliver the speed and consistency riders depend on to get to work, class, medical appointments, shopping, and back home. With federal funding being delayed and withheld by the Trump administration, communities need certainty when dollars are approved so projects can move forward. I will continue holding the administration accountable and fighting for transparency — and for every dollar Central New York and NY-22 deserve.”
Mayor Ben Walsh said, “Bus rapid transit is a high priority for Syracuse Surge, our strategy for inclusive growth in the New Economy. Frequent, reliable public transportation is essential to deliver great quality of life and opportunity for city residents. I thank Centro for being a Syracuse Surge partner and moving ahead with BRT and I’m grateful to Congressman Mannion for providing funding to get the buses needed to run the service.”
Mayor-elect Sharon Owens said, “Representative Mannion’s announcement of a $9.28 million federal grant for CENTRO’s Bus Rapid Transit system is an important investment in the City’s future. The new low-emission, custom-designed CNG buses will not only modernize our public transportation infrastructure but also advance our shared commitment to sustainability and accessibility. I applaud this forward-thinking initiative and look forward to working with our local, state and federal partners to ensure that Syracuse continues to lead in clean, efficient, and equitable transit solutions.”
Christopher Tuff, Chief Executive Officer of the Central New York Regional Transportation Authority, said “The BRT system is a game-changer for public transportation in Syracuse. It can compete with the car, enticing new users to public transportation and providing a better network for existing bus riders.”
Syracuse’s BRT system is designed to provide faster, more reliable, and more frequent transit service, connecting neighborhoods with downtown, University Hill, major employers, healthcare institutions, and the transit hub. The project is closely aligned with the I-81 Community Grid, helping ensure that as the region rebuilds its core infrastructure, transit is modern, accessible, and equitable. By providing bus service that runs every 12-15 minutes, Centro’s BRT service helps core businesses located on the BRT to thrive while at the same time opening up job opportunities for our most impoverished neighborhoods.
