In other words, the funding will go towards ‘demonstration projects’ for schemes such as car-sharing, ride hailing, e-bikes, e-scooters, shared EVs and on-demand electric public transport – rather than private passenger EVs. The funding will be available to local governments, public transport operators, ‘community-based organisations’, or employers with 1000+ employees.

Applicants must submit proposals for their demonstration projects including a complete planning document covering community engagement, site and partner identification, technical feasibility assessments, and policy / regulatory assessments. A cost share of a minimum of 20 per cent of the total project cost in other funding will be required. Up to $3 million will be awarded per individual project.

Part of the funding pool will be set aside for specific areas of the state, including up to $3 million for any type of demonstration project in the Bronx.

State Senator Jeremy Cooney said: “The Clean Mobility Program represents a major step forward in delivering economic opportunity and cleaner transportation to underserved communities across Upstate New York. By investing in ridesharing, micro mobility, and on-demand transportation options, we’re expanding access to jobs, public transit, while also reducing emissions.

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris added: “Supporting electric vehicle ride sharing, e-bikes, e-scooters and other sustainable, affordable mobility options helps keep people engaged and active in their communities. We look forward to receiving innovative demonstration proposals that offer the opportunity to help New Yorkers maintain transportation independence and can be replicated and adopted throughout the state for the benefit of all.”

The deadline for proposals is September 25, 2025.

governor.ny.gov

Food-tech firm Swiggy will re-evaluate its investment in ride-hailing startup Rapido, citing a potential conflict of interest as the mobility company recently entered the food delivery space.

“Rapido is now the largest mobility player in India by rides, and has been a disruptor in its space. As a shareholder, we are extremely happy with their success and value-creation; but do acknowledge a potential conflict of interest that may arise in the future,” said Swiggy in its letter to shareholders on Thursday.

It added, “Our 12% minority stake has appreciated significantly since our investment (basis incoming interest) and we are actively re-evaluating our investment due to the above developments.”

Rapido entered the food delivery space in June through a pilot called ‘Ownly’ in Bengaluru, charging restaurants a fixed fee per order. A proposal shared with restaurants shows that Rapido is positioning itself as a zero-commission, value-focused alternative to Swiggy and Zomato.

Swiggy invested in Rapido in 2022. It holds approximately a 12% stake in Rapido which is valued at around Rs 1,020 crore based on Rapido’s current valuation of just over Rs 8,500 crore. The ride-hailing company, which competes with Ola and Uber, has raised around $600 million so far.

“Food delivery continues to attract new competition, with new players or models trying to enter this high-frequency, high customer-intent category every year. The key question is what new competition will unlock for the consumer, which we are not already doing at scale. Many of the new offerings we have created (including on affordability) and will continue to roll out, will be towards ensuring that competition does not get a clear opening.” Swiggy stated in the letter.