An additional $200 million is now available in New York to school districts and bus operators for zero-emission school buses through the second installment of funding from the $4.2-billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act (Bond Act).

The funding, distributed through the New York School Bus Incentive Program (NYSBIP), provides support for the purchase of electric buses, charging infrastructure or fleet electrification planning as public schools transition to zero-emission technologies that improve air quality and reduce pollution in communities.

Administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), NYSBIP provides incentives to eligible school districts and bus fleet operators purchasing electric buses. It also offers charging vouchers to school districts or bus operators and provides funding for these groups to develop fleet electrification plans. This funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis with incentive amounts covering up to 100% of the incremental cost of a new or re-powered zero-emission school bus, depending on the type of vehicle, helping make the cost of an electric bus comparable to that of a gas or diesel bus.

Charging vouchers can offset the cost of installing Level 2 or DCFC fast chargers. All school districts in New York State also qualify for funding for fleet electrification plans, which provide each with a customized roadmap for electric bus adoption.

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. While these districts are defined as priority districts through this program, all school districts can earn increased incentives through the program with additional eligible funding amounts available for removing a gas or diesel bus from operation, purchasing wheelchair accessible buses, or purchasing buses with vehicle to grid capability. All school districts that complete fleet electrification plans also become eligible for higher funding amounts.

The new funding builds on the successful first round of Bond Act school bus funding issued in November 2023. Since NYSBIP’s launch, more than 75 school districts have applied for funds to purchase 350 buses, including 51 districts located in disadvantaged communities, and almost half of the state’s school districts are now working with NYSERDA to create Fleet Electrification Plans. To date, 250 districts have started developing these plans, and more than 100 additional districts are in the process of applying for fleet planning in coordination with their local BOCES districts.

Since the program launch, NYSERDA has worked with schools, New York State agencies, legislators, communities, manufacturers, bus dealers and utilities to raise awareness on the Bond Act funding available to school districts and to help more communities understand the health and climate benefits that electric buses provide. NYSERDA has engaged every school district to offer training and information, hosts a recurring webinar series, and is in regular contact with districts across the state.