NYSDOT, NYSERDA Fund Transportation Research to Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled and Greenhouse Gases

July 29, 2008

$1.5 Million in Funds Available for Proposals by September 16 Deadline

Albany, July 29 -- The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) are jointly seeking proposals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the use of petroleum fuel products in the transportation sector. The Sustainable Transportation Systems solicitation seeks strategies and enabling commercial technologies that reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in New York State to enhance the State’s economy and quality of life.

New York State’s transportation sector produces fewer tons of greenhouse gases per capita than any other state. This is a result of our downstate population density and wide use of the metropolitan area’s extensive public transit system. Also in place downstate is an active Transportation Demand Management (TDM) effort, aimed at reducing single-occupancy auto trips. Upstate, New York State supports urban and rural regional transit systems and numerous suburban park and ride lots.

The research gained through this effort complements Governor David Paterson’s Renewable Energy Taskforce recommendation, which calls upon state agencies to build upon successful existing policies and programs to promote the efficient use of petroleum in the transportation sector. Specifically, the report calls for the development of an integrated plan to achieve a statewide target of a 10 percent reduction in VMT from projected levels in 10 years. An interagency team which includes NYSERDA, NYSDOT, and NYSDEC are considering various strategies as part of the planning process. The technologies and strategies that will be developed and demonstrated through this Program Opportunity Notice (PON) are expected to be important components of such a plan.

Astrid C. Glynn, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) said, “The State Department of Transportation is committed to reducing our carbon footprint and encouraging those using our transportation system to do the same by offering energy-efficient travel alternatives. The funding that the department contributed to this innovative research program is yet another example of how, under Governor Paterson’s leadership, we are striving to find new methods for improving energy performance in New York State.”

Robert G. Callender, NYSERDA Vice President for Programs noted that this is the third joint solicitation. “Cooperation between NYSDOT and NYSERDA permits us to target key audiences and transportation issues. We are following Governor Paterson’s challenge to reduce overall Vehicle Miles Traveled, as he outlined in his inter-agency Renewable Energy Taskforce Report issued in February. Given the public’s attention to rising fuel prices and their desire to conserve, we expect to attract high-quality proposals,” he said.

For funding details on PON 1239, please visit Funding Opportunities. Proposals are due September 16, and $1,500,000 of New York State funds are available. Previous solicitations in 2006 and 2007 funded 18 research and demonstration projects, including the following, already underway:

• NYS Greenride Demonstration   - Lancaster, NY (Erie County)
  A one year demonstration of an underutilized ridesharing solution designed for developing successful alternative transportation programs such as carpooling, vanpooling, bike-to-work and park-and-ride.
• Utilization of Recycled Concrete and Asphalt - Horseheads, NY (Chemung County)
  Engineering study to evaluate the performance implications, as well as the energy and environmental impacts of utilizing increased percentages of recycled materials in new road construction.
• Ithaca Carshare  - Ithaca, NY (Tompkins County)
  A pilot program where members share a limited number of vehicles on an as-needed, hourly basis, allowing them to defer personal vehicle ownership.
• Railroad Wheel Inspection - Selkirk, NY (Albany County)
  Validation of an automated wheel inspection system installed at the CSX Classification Yard. The advanced non-destructive testing system is capable of inspecting more than 10,000 wheels daily and identifying defects in real time.
• Demonstration of School Bus Coolant Heaters - Amsterda, NY (Montgomery County)
  Idling of school busses waste fuel and exposes children to harmful diesel emissions. This project funded a one-year demonstration of advanced coolant heaters which allow school bus engines to be shut down and still maintain cabin heat and window defrosters.
• NYS Traffic Video Network  - (Statewide installations)
  One-year demonstration of an advanced digital video network providing real time traffic conditions from over 350 existing cameras to the general public, police and first responders, and television and other media providers.

NYSDOT seeks to ensure that their customers - those who live, work and travel in New York State -- have a safe, efficient, balanced and environmentally sound transportation system. For more information, please go to NYSDOT 

NYSERDA uses innovation and technology to solve some of New York's most difficult energy and environmental problems in ways that improve the State's economy. To learn more ways to save energy, visit NYSERDA or call 1-866-NYSERDA.

NYSDOT Contact
Carol Breen
cbreen@dot.state.ny.us
Phone: 518-457-6400

NYSERDA spokesperson:
Colleen Ryan
cqr@nyserda.ny.gov
Phone: 866-NYSERDA, Ext. 3359