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Dollaride’s Clean Transit Access Program will provide affordable electric shuttle buses as well as charging infrastructure to certified commuter van drivers operating in disadvantaged communities throughout NYC.
NYC’s informal transit network of commuter vans (aka ‘dollar vans’) continue to support the mobility needs of the 600,000 New Yorkers living in areas with poor access to public transportation. They are an extremely cost-effective way of bridging the many transit gaps in the New York City Metro Area, and the industry itself has done its best to keep up with the ever expanding population in the outer boroughs. The problem is, existing vans are exclusively gas-powered vehicles, and many drivers lack the necessary licensing, insurance and training to provide safe, accountable service.
For fleet owners, replacing their gas-powered dollar vans with electric vehicles is very difficult. Upfront costs and credit barriers put electric vehicles out of reach for small businesses. CTAP leverages Dollaride’s mobility service and project financing to solve these systemic issues and get drivers into EVs.
One of the things we’re trying to do here is position commuter vans as a clean transportation service, while also preparing fleet owners and drivers for the future. — Su Sanni, Dollaride Inc.
Meet the CTAP Team
To ensure that CTAPs goals are met and resources are allocated properly, Dollaride joins forces with an impactful and diverse group of NYC-based organizations passionate about clean energy and transportation equity. Below, is a summary of the primary partners behind executing the Clean Transit Access Program.
Project Lead & Fleet Operator Services: Dollaride
Dollaride provides improved access to fixed-route transportation in communities underserved by public transit. The company’s solution digitally optimizes existing commuter van networks, while enabling drivers & riders to transact via smartphones. (NYC-based, certified minority-owned business)
Charging Infrastructure: HEVO
HEVO provides a seamless, safe, and universal wireless charging solution for electric vehicles with its proprietary operating system and wireless power transfer technology. Equivalent to plug-in charging efficiencies, and offering a better user experience, the HEVO system is interoperable between vehicles and well-suited for commercial fleets, shared autonomous vehicles, city infrastructure, destination charging, and ultimately in-road dynamic charging. (NYC-based, veteran-owned business)
Financing: BlocPower
BlocPower is a Brooklyn-based climate technology startup that is making American cities greener, smarter, and healthier. Since its founding in 2014, the company has retrofitted 1,400 buildings, deployed community WiFi, and other energy projects in disadvantaged communities in New York City, with projects underway in 24 cities. (NYC-based, certified minority-owned business)
Program Management: Build Edison
Build Edison helps cleantech energy solutions achieve commercialization goals by leveraging their deep experience in energy project management and program design. Build Edison works with cleantech companies, investors, strategic partners, government innovation programs, and utilities from all over the world to execute successful projects. (NYC-based, certified woman-owned business)
Urban Planning: WXY
WXY is an award-winning urban planning and architectural design firm based in NYC. Their approach is collaborative, community-driven, and innovative. They work with public and private sector clients to create sustainable and equitable urban environments that are both functional and beautiful.
Community Engagement: Perch Advisors
Perch Advisors is a NYC-based consultancy that specializes in community engagement. They work with nonprofits, government agencies, and private sector clients to help engage with communities and stakeholders in meaningful ways. Their approach is to build trust and relationships within communities, while also ensuring that project goals are met.
Measurement and Verification: C2SMART
C2SMART is a solution-oriented research center taking on some of today's most pressing urban mobility challenges. They provide data analysis and energy management solutions, with the goal of reducing energy consumption and improving performance. As the Measurement and Verification Manager for the Clean Transit Access Program, C2SMART will be responsible for measuring and verifying the program's energy savings and environmental impact.
Rory Christian, Kristin Barbato (Build Edison), Su Sanni (Dollaride), Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, Khaleel M. Anderson, Keith Kinch (BlocPower), Phil Hwang (Dollaride)
CTAP is a great example of New York based companies coming together to not only do something that’s good for the community but also, become more aligned to fight climate change. — Su Sanni, Dollaride
The Future of Urban Transit
Here are some hard transportation and climate facts from NYSERDA:
36% of New York State’s greenhouse gas emissions are from the transportation sector. Source
Vehicle pollution makes millions of Americans sick and costs billions of dollars in avoidable health costs. Source
Transportation costs comprised the second-largest expense category for the average household, after housing costs. Source
CTAP’s Next Steps
The electrification program will deploy uniformly designed electric commuter vans to initially operate in the Brooklyn and Queens boroughs. CTAP will also provide the necessary charging infrastructure and work directly with local businesses and property owners to site EV chargers near existing and new commuter van routes. Key metrics of success will be the overall utilization of the electric shuttle buses, passenger and community satisfaction, EV charger usage, GhG emission reduction, and reduced operational and maintenance costs for dollar-van drivers.
With continued support from local businesses, community-based organizations, and governments CTAP will create more economic opportunities for drivers by helping them save money on gas, operations, and maintenance. Dollaride’s Clean Transit Access Program is firmly positioned to establish a scalable and clean transportation service throughout NYC and New York State. Welcome to the future of urban transportation.
