Hoyt Transportation allegedly exceeded NYC limits on vehicle idling; the practice contributed to air pollution in Bronx communities of color. (Photo for illustration purposes only)
New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced a settlement with Hoyt Transportation, Inc., a Bronx-based school bus company, ending its alleged practice of excessive idling at bus yards. Excessive vehicle idling causes air pollution, endangering the health and wellness of neighboring communities. As part of the settlement announced today, Hoyt Transportation will implement an extensive anti-idling training program for drivers, engage an idling manager to monitor idling behavior, and pay at least $38,850 in penalties. Hoyt Transportation will pay another $66,000 if the company does not enter into an agreement to purchase an all-electric, zero-emission school bus by May 2025.
Funds secured from the settlement will be used to support projects to fight pollution and improve air quality in overburdened communities in New York City.
“Vehicle idling can lead to increased air pollution, which poses a serious threat to New Yorkers’ health and safety,” said Attorney General James. “School bus companies like Hoyt Transportation must do their part to protect our communities by addressing excessive idling. In our continued efforts to combat air pollution and environmental injustice, my office will always ensure companies like Hoyt Transportation honor their responsibilities to the communities they serve.”
I want to thank Attorney General Letitia James and her team for her advocacy and for holding Hoyt Transportation accountable,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson.
“We are proud to see Attorney General James continuing to take the fight to school bus companies that ignore the law. These companies that continue to illegally idle dump harmful pollution into the air we breathe and fuel asthma and other lung diseases in our communities,” said Dariella Rodriguez, Director of Community Development, The Point CDC.
Hoyt Transportation operates a fleet of more than 300 school buses out of four bus depots in the Bronx, all located in or near low-income communities or communities of color.New York state law, with certain specific exceptions, prohibits idling for more than five minutes, and New York City law prohibits idling for more than three minutes, or one minute when adjacent to a K-12 school.
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