New York funds zero-emission microtransit and bike access

Zero-emission microtransit is part of a New York State funding package. It is worth more than $4.5 million. It covers two downstate projects. As NYSERDA announced, the money will support cleaner transportation connections for commuters and residents.

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Under the state’s NYSERDA Clean Mobility Program, two recipients will launch new services. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is one of them. Westchester County is the other. They will introduce affordable, on-demand electric mobility and rideshare services. The aim is to “improve first and last mile connections, serve transportation deserts, and connect more New York commuters and residents to jobs and local services.”

“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,” said NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris. “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 Clean Mobility Program funding

The latest awards build on the Clean Mobility Program. It began in June 2024. Since then, the program has provided $2.9 million in planning grants. Those grants went to 29 community-led initiatives. The focus was shared electric transportation planning across New York.

Meanwhile, Governor Kathy Hochul announced more than $21 million in July 2025. That money was for a second round of product demonstrations. Awards from that round are expected in the summer of 2026.

In addition, the program provides competitive funding to local governments, transit operators and community-based organizations. The demonstration efforts expand access to clean transportation options. These include electric bicycles. They also include electric scooters. On-demand EV rideshare services are included as well. Charging hubs that support those services are included, too.

Also, the funded projects will operate in disadvantaged communities identified by the New York State Climate Justice Working Group. Each project also must meet New York State safety requirements. These include UL certification. State and local transportation rules also apply.

Zero-emission microtransit and bike access projects

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority received more than $1.5 million. The money will fund enclosed, internet-connected bike racks at commuter rail stations. Riders will be able to leave bicycles and e-bikes there securely.

For example, NYSERDA said the pilot will cover up to eight stations. The sites are in the Metro-North network. They are also in the Long Island Rail Road network. They include locations in Dutchess County, Suffolk County, and Westchester County.

Westchester County was awarded $3 million to demonstrate an on-demand, zero-emission microtransit service in Peekskill using as many as five electric vehicles, as Westchester County said. The shuttle is intended to provide quicker, more direct and more dependable trips to workplaces and community destinations. It also is meant to improve links to Metro-North rail service and the Bee-Line bus network.

At the same time, these awards follow a separate $3 million grant announced in December 2025 for the New York City Department of Transportation. That funding will support electrical connections for safe public e-bike charging. It also will fund one year of secure public e-bike parking operations. Those sites are in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx.

First- and last-mile connections in downstate New York

The funded work is focused on first- and last-mile connections across downstate New York. It uses electric mobility, secure bike storage and related access improvements.

Separately, “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,” Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said.

Still, “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,” said New York State Department of Public Service CEO Rory M. Christian.

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