New York State has announced an additional $200 million to accelerate the deployment of zero-emission school buses and charging infrastructure, part of its broader Environmental Bond Act initiative to reduce transportation-related emissions and improve air quality across the state.
The new funding represents the third tranche under the $4.2 billion Environmental Bond Act and will be allocated through the New York School Bus Incentive Program (NYSBIP). The program, launched last year with an initial $100 million, provides direct purchase incentives for electric school buses, vouchers for Level 2 and DC fast chargers, and planning support for school districts transitioning to electric fleets. Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis and can cover up to 100% of the incremental cost of a zero-emission bus compared to conventional models.
Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized the state’s commitment to equitable access to clean transportation, stating, “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 program gives priority to high-need and disadvantaged districts, offering increased incentives for scrapping internal combustion buses, purchasing accessible models, or acquiring vehicles with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capability. Districts that complete fleet electrification plans are eligible for higher funding levels. Vehicle dealers apply the bus incentives directly to the purchase price, while districts must apply separately for charging infrastructure vouchers.
Amanda Lefton, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, highlighted the health and climate benefits of the initiative: “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.”
The Bond Act mandates that disadvantaged communities receive no less than 35% of total funding benefits, with a target of 40%. NYSERDA is coordinating with more than 400 school districts to develop fleet electrification plans and ensure targeted support reaches the state’s most impacted communities. Buses domiciled in these areas qualify for the highest incentives.
Since the program’s launch, 88 school districts have applied for funding to purchase 529 electric buses, including 406 designated for priority districts. State Senator Kevin Parker described the additional investment as a “bold” step forward: “The additional $200 million in funding for zero-emission school buses is a bold investment in our children’s health, our environment, and the future of clean energy in New York.”