Clean Transit Access Program (CTAP) - Electrifying NYC Shuttle Vans
The Clean Transit Access Program (CTAP) is testing a model to electrify shuttle vans and non-emergency medical transit vehicles operating in New York City's disadvantaged communities.
This solution leverages external private capital to multiply reach and scalability to bring electric vehicles into the existing fleets of NYC shuttle vans that serve employers, hospitals, universities, and others. The CTAP project will provide riders a clean transportation option for getting to and from work, school, medical facilities or other destinations served by entities providing such dedicated transportation services.
This program will reduce carbon emissions as well as provide clean transportation for residents from the disadvantaged areas.
Learn More
Visit Dollaride’s CTAP Page (opens in new window) for updates and to learn more about the project.
Contact Dollaride
For inquiries, reach out to the Dollaride team at [email protected].
Solution Location: New York City
Project Progress
Bringing Clean Transportation to Underserved New York City; Dollaride’s EV Transit Initiative
What is Dollaride?
Across New York City, residents who rely on paratransit—especially seniors and individuals with disabilities—face barriers in utilizing public transportation options: long wait times, aging fleets and emissions-producing internal combustion engine vehicles. With support from the New York Clean Transportation Prizes (NYCTP) initiative, Dollaride is helping to electrify transportation options, particularly for non-emergency medical transport and bring them to underserved communities in New York City, empowering fleet owners with financing, technology and infrastructure to include EVs in their fleets.
Community Vision for What Could Be
To bridge the public transit access gaps, Dollaride is working to transition the shuttle van and paratransit sectors to electrify vehicles through the Clean Transit Access Program (CTAP). Participating in CTAP offers turnkey solutions for operators: subsidized low-cost commercial passenger vans with options for financing, access to charging infrastructure, and the opportunity to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. By working with small and mid-sized shuttle operators, Dollaride is supporting fleets as they transport their clientele from point A to B in environmentally friendly vehicles.
Dollaride’s future goal is ambitious, yet targeted: add 100+ EV shuttles paired with charging infrastructure. Fleets in any of the 5 boroughs can choose to receive access to nearby discounted existing charging, or work with Dollaride to help them install their own charging.
Eye on the Prize
To test their approach, Dollaride completed a pilot trial with university shuttle vans involving three electric shuttles. NYCTP initiative provided the essential early-stage support to develop and refine this test. CEO and Co-founder of Dollaride, Su Sanni, spoke to their pilot’s success and support from NYSERDA:
"Our pilot proved that clean, reliable paratransit is within reach for every neighborhood in New York City. With NYSERDA’s support, we’re turning a three-van trial into a city-wide transition—lowering costs for family-owned fleets, cutting emissions in frontline communities, and ensuring riders of all abilities get the dignified mobility service they deserve."
The benefits went beyond emissions reductions: the trial resulted in reduced fuel and maintenance costs, improved rider experience and valuable operational insights. The NYCTP initiative enhanced visibility into the electrification project and boosted its credibility, helping to attract additional partners in finance, utilities and workforce training for Dollaride’s future business.
Rollout
Building on the success of the three-shuttle pilot, Dollaride is now preparing for broader fleet conversions, beginning with shuttle operators in DACs across the city. The team is working directly with vehicle manufacturers, charging providers, local regulators and accessibility advocates to ensure the next phase of deployment meets both operational and equity goals.
Inspiring Change
This effort is more than a fleet upgrade—it’s a scalable model for modernizing paratransit and other shuttle fleets in a way that centers equity and environmental justice. By focusing on the specific needs of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and senior riders first, Dollaride is making it easier for shuttle companies across New York City to become leaders in fleet electrification, accelerating the EV transition in this important sector.