Albany – Almost $31 million in state and federal transit funding has been announced for urban and rural public transportation systems to purchase new, clean-fuel buses and support infrastructure improvements to transit facilities.

Among the recipients is Ulster County Area Transit, which will receive $1.6 million in federal funds. That will pay for three 40-foot hybrid buses, four smaller hybrid buses under 30 feet and preventative maintenance.  

The hybrids will be a combination of electric and diesel, said UCAT Director Cynthia Ruiz.

The batteries get recharged whenever the driver steps on the brakes and when the bus goes up a steep hill, the small diesel engine kicks in, she said.

Counties receiving urban Transit Capital grants this year include Westchester, which will receive $2.7 million; Rockland County Commuter Bus Services, which will receive a little over $1 million; and Orange County Commuter Bus Services, which will get $642,000.

Rural systems receiving federal funds include Columbia County with $320,000, the City of Hudson with $178,200, Orange County, and with more than $331,000, Sullivan County with $492,000.