Nassau Adding Electric Vehicles To NICE Bus Fleet

NASSAU COUNTY, NY — Nassau County announced it would add some electric buses to the fleet of NICE Buses that service the county.

The Nassau County Legislature announced the addition of the six new buses on Monday. The new buses, which are are expected to go into service this fall, will start by servicing the Nassau Hub area, and will be added to NICE Bus's fleet of 285 buses.

“Nassau County has a reputation for being one of the most environmentally responsible counties in the state,” Presiding Officer Richard Nicolello said. “By adding zero-emission buses to our fleet, we will immediately reduce emissions and improve air quality here in Nassau County, while saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in maintenance and fuel.”

The six vehicles purchased are New Flyer Xcelsior CHARGE NG 40-foot transit buses, model XE40. They have a range of approximately 180 to 200 miles on a single charge, and cost about $1.1 million each. But it's estimated that each bus will save up to $125,000 in maintenance and $400,000 in fuel costs over their 12-year lifespan. The cost to the county is being supplemented by funding from state and federal government initiatives for greener transportation.

Those looking to ride one of the buses may have to wait. They will originally service the Hub area, with service originating from the Rosa Parks Bus Depot in the Village of Hempstead and serving the greater Hempstead, Nassau Community College, Hofstra University and Roosevelt Field areas. They will later be used around the rest of the county.

The primary charging station for the buses will be located at a decommissioned water purification plant in East Garden City.