An additional $200 million in funding is now available for zero-emission school buses in New York, Governor Kathy Hochul announced. The funds are part of the third installment from the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022. This funding will be distributed through the New York School Bus Incentive Program (NYSBIP) to support public schools as they transition to electric buses, install charging infrastructure, and develop fleet electrification plans.
Governor Hochul stated, “New York State is leaning into our Environmental Bond Act commitment to provide public schools with the funding and resources to make electric school buses more affordable. We are leaving no school behind as we reduce pollution from vehicles so every student can benefit from clean air while building healthier, more sustainable communities for New Yorkers across the state.”
The NYSBIP is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). It provides incentives to eligible school bus fleet operators—including both districts and private contractors—to purchase zero-emission buses. Charging infrastructure vouchers are also available for Level 2 or DC fast chargers, along with support for developing fleet electrification plans.
Funding is provided on a first-come, first-served basis and can cover up to 100 percent of the incremental cost difference between new or repowered electric buses and comparable diesel or gasoline models. All school bus fleet operators in New York State are eligible for assistance with electrification planning.
Doreen M. Harris, President and CEO of NYSERDA said, “Today is the latest in a series of support that NYSERDA has offered to help make it easier for fleet operators to plan, navigate incentives for bus purchases and install vehicle charging infrastructure. We are excited to help more adopt zero-emission school buses through this additional Environmental Bond Act funding.”
Program eligibility rules can be found online through the NYSBIP Implementation Manual. Vehicle dealers apply incentive funds directly after purchase orders have been issued by fleet operators; however, operators must apply directly to NYSERDA for charging vouchers.
Larger incentive amounts are available for high-need districts and those serving significant populations in disadvantaged communities as defined by criteria set by the New York State Climate Justice Working Group. Additional incentives may be earned if districts remove gas or diesel buses from service or purchase wheelchair-accessible vehicles or those equipped with vehicle-to-grid technology.
Amanda Lefton, Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation commented: “The continued rollout of zero-emission school buses is critical to improving air quality and protecting the health of students and drivers in communities across the State. Investments through the Bond Act are making the transition to these greener vehicles more affordable for school districts…DEC remains focused on administering Bond Act funding…to help address climate impacts, reduce harmful emissions, and improve quality of life for New York families.”
Rory M. Christian, CEO of Department of Public Service added: “Kudos to Governor Hochul and her team for encouraging further adoption and deployment of zero-emission school buses. This program will help continue our move toward a cleaner environment, which benefits all of us.”
New York’s Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said: “I thank Governor Hochul for her continued investment in the health of our children and commitment to building healthier communities across the state. Cleaner air means healthier kids, and reducing pollution around schools helps protect them from asthma and other respiratory problems.”
Modernizing public transportation with zero-emission vehicles remains a priority under Governor Hochul’s administration as reflected in recent state budgets that provide flexibility while requiring independent range estimates from manufacturers so districts can better assess if electric buses meet their needs.
Since its launch, 88 districts have applied through NYSBIP seeking funds for 529 new electric buses—406 within priority areas—and approximately 400 districts are working with NYSERDA on Fleet Electrification Plans.
The Bond Act stipulates at least 35 percent—and aims for 40 percent—of total benefits go toward disadvantaged communities; accordingly NYSERDA seeks at least 40 percent allocation under this program specifically targeting such areas.
Additional resources such as an Electric School Bus Guidebook are available via NYSERDA’s website to assist stakeholders throughout this transition process.
State Senator Kevin Parker said: “The additional $200 million in funding…is a bold investment in our children’s health…By accelerating…electric school buses we’re not only reducing harmful emissions but also improving air quality…especially in neighborhoods that have long suffered from high pollution levels.”
Other lawmakers including Senators Shelley B. Mayer and Jeremy Cooney; Assemblymembers William Magnarelli, Michael R. Benedetto, Didi Barrett; Association representatives Brian Cechnicki (School Business Officials), Tommy Smith (School Bus Contractors Association); Mothers Out Front organizer Sarah Smiley—all expressed support highlighting environmental justice aspects as well as practical financial relief provided by these investments.
For over fifty years NYSERDA has served as an energy planning resource statewide while helping advance efforts like EV Make Ready programs intended to expand access to clean transit options (EVolve NY, Charge Ready NY 2.0).
New York’s broader climate agenda targets an emissions-free economy by mid-century focusing on green jobs growth—with specific measures ensuring that at least one-third of program benefits reach disadvantaged groups.
