New York public school districts, bus operators eligible for millions in zero-emission school bus program

Public school districts and school bus fleet operators in New York can apply for funding to transition to zero-emission school buses, New York Gov. Katy Hochul said on Monday.

Hochul said the state would make $200 million in funding available to purchase clean buses and electric bus charging infrastructure. Part of the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, the funding will support the purchase of electric buses, charging infrastructure of fleet electrification planning to help public school transition to zero-emission technologies.

“Paving the way for zero-emission school buses not only cleans our air, it protects the health and wellbeing of our students,” Hochul said. “With increased funding for school to transition to clean transportation options, we are reducing harmful emissions and pollution, helping to ensure that both students and residents are breathing clean, fresh air and enjoying healthier environments to live, work and do business.”

The funding, available to all public school districts or bus fleet operators, will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and will cover up to 100 percent of the incremental cost of a new or re-powered zero-emission bus, officials said. Additionally, the funding can provide charging vouchers to offset the cost of installing Level 2 or DCFC fast chargers. The money will be distributed through the New York School Bus Incentive Program (NYSBIP) and administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

Officials said larger funding amounts are available for high-need school districts and disadvantaged communities, as determined by the New York State Climate Justice Working Group criteria. All school districts, however, can earn increased incentives with additional eligible funding for removing a gas or diesel bus from operation, purchasing wheelchair accessible buses, or purchasing buses with vehicle to grid capability.

“New York stands as a pioneering example of bringing clean, tailpipe-emission-free electric school buses to the students and communities who need them most,” Sue Gander, World Resources Institute’s Electric School Bus Initiative director, said. “We’re encouraged to see districts across the state utilizing the New York School Bus Incentive Program to invest in accessible, electric school buses and charging infrastructure that offer a safe, clean ride for kids.”

The funding is the second round of funds available through the bond act, building on the first round issued in November 2023. Since NYSBIP’s launch, more than 75 school districts have applied for funds used to buy 350 buses. To date 250 districts have begun developing plans for fleet electrification, with another 100 districts in the process of applying for fleet planning.

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