School districts across New York state are expected to electrify bus fleets by 2035. As of 2027, they won’t be able to purchase diesel-powered buses.

“This situation is not a one size fits all,” said New York Association for Pupil Transportation President-Elect Marc Medina.

The mandates are raising eyebrows among some district leaders who call the timeline unrealistic.

“Very aggressive deadlines,” said NYAPT Executive Director David Christopher. “We’re hopeful they’re re-evaluated.”

The cost of an electric school bus is about three times more than that of a diesel-powered bus, a price tag the NYAPT believes is too steep for many of the state’s smallest school districts.

“They can’t really raise their taxes enough to pay that extra piece,” said Legislative Chairman John Spacht. “Even with the funding that’s available.”

This includes programs via the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the state’s Education Department, Environmental Protection Agency and various utility companies.

The state funding may soon be dispersed over a period of 12 years instead of the current structure of five years, which will likely make the transition for many districts even more difficult.

“Now you have reduced that bus from not getting 1/5 of the cost, but now you’re at one 1/12 of the cost,” Spacht explained. “And the cost is considerably more.”

Not to mention the time-consuming, costly process involved with preparing to purchase an electric bus.

“You’re talking about infrastructure and capital improvement projects and all the things that have to happen for a district to get ready to even start purchasing these vehicles,” Medina said.

NYAPT is encouraging state leaders to loosen the timeline, but encouraging district leaders to begin the process sooner rather than later, as it is required to submit a report of progress in August.

“Determine what sort of infrastructure needs to be built to begin the process right away,” Christopher said.