New York has set ambitious goals to phase out traditional diesel school buses by 2027 for all new purchases and achieve a fully electric fleet by 2035, securing significant funding and incentives to support districts with the costly transition.

However, many districts are still facing challenges, according to school officials.

What You Need To Know

  • New York is mandating electric school bus fleets by 2035, and phasing out diesel purchases by 2027

  • Districts cite high upfront costs and infrastructure upgrades as major challenges

  • Funding gaps remain despite state and federal grants, and uncertainty around budget votes
  • Utility coordination and workforce training are underway to prepare for the transition
  • Lomg-term benefits include reduced emissions, operating costs and healthier rides

School districts across the state are configuring their plans to electrify bus fleets while committed to meeting state mandates, said Dr. David Perry, superintendent of the South Colonie Central School District.

"The cost of electric vehicles are two and a half to three times the cost of a diesel bus," Perry said. "So, at this point in time, due to the cost and the uncertainty of when our capital project will come to completion, we're still purchasing the diesel vehicles."

The upfront cost is a major hurdle, with electric buses costing more than $300,000 each, Perry said, adding that they'll rely on state and federal grants to offset the premium, but funding gaps remain.

"We will take a current diesel bus, which is planned for removal from our fleet. We'll trade that in, we'll get a certain rebate on that through the NYSERDA and the New York State energy grant program," he said.

Coordination with utility companies and workforce training initiatives are also underway as districts prepare for the electric bus transition. South Colonie, for instance, has begun planning for its new transportation hub, designed to facilitate the shift from diesel and gas to electric.

Bus driver Frank Waterson plans to keep his foot on the gas as he prepares for the switch.

"It'd be interesting. I drove a bus about a month and a half ago, a demo bus. The drive was very similar to this," Waterson said. "I'm really interested to see how the endurance is going to be at the end of the day, how many miles are we going to get out of, if we do a complete run or not."

With the 2027 phase-out deadline looming, districts have implemented strategies for a seamless process, said Don Keegan, associate superintendent of business services at the North Syracuse Central School District.

"All those buses purchased at that time would have to be zero-emissions buses. And then by 2035, your entire fleet has to be a zero-emission bus," Keegan said.

A driving factor will be the outcome of future budget votes. There may be uncertainty if local residents reject funding for the expensive electric bus purchases, Perry said.

"Communities will have to again understand the process, understand the commitment financially for replacing these buses," he said.

Keegan acknowledged the challenges but said, "We're going to make sure that we make a smooth transition for our students and families, and that's just going to take a little bit of time."