For Immediate Release: 7/22/2025

GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL $200 MILLION ENVIRONMENTAL BOND ACT FUNDING NOW AVAILABLE FOR ZERO-EMISSION SCHOOL BUSES

New York School Bus Incentive Program Makes Clean Buses and Charging Infrastructure More Affordable for Public Schools

Funding Supports Healthier Air, Climate Goals Through Electric School Bus Expansion

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that an additional $200 million is now available for zero-emission school buses through the third installment of funding from the historic $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022. The funding, distributed through the New York School Bus Incentive Program (NYSBIP), supports the purchase of electric buses, charging infrastructure, and fleet electrification planning as public schools transition to zero-emission technologies that improve air quality and reduce pollution in communities. This investment helps ensure that schoolchildren, drivers, and the communities where they live across New York benefit from clean, quiet, and healthy buses.

“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,” Governor Hochul said. “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.”

Administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), NYSBIP provides incentives to eligible school bus fleet operators, including school districts and school bus operators, that purchase zero-emission buses. It also offers charging infrastructure vouchers to help support the installation of Level 2 or DC fast chargers and provides funding to develop fleet electrification plans. This support helps ensure safer, more reliable transportation for students while giving schools the tools they need to make smart, cost-effective upgrades.

The funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis with incentive amounts covering up to 100 percent of the incremental cost of a new or repowered electric school bus. This helps offset some or all of the difference in purchase price between zero-emission buses and comparable diesel or gasoline buses. All school bus fleet operators in New York State can also qualify for funding for fleet electrification plans, which provide a customized roadmap for electric bus adoption.

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris 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 and rules for charging infrastructure funding are available online through the NYSBIP Implementation Manual. School bus fleet operators do not apply directly for school bus funding. Vehicle dealers apply the funding to the price of buses on their behalf after fleet operators have issued purchase orders. Fleet operators apply directly to NYSERDA for charging vouchers, which support adding charging infrastructure to their depots.

Larger funding amounts are available for high-need school districts and school districts with significant portions of their population living in 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 by 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.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “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. Under the leadership of Governor Hochul and in coordination with our state agency partners, DEC remains focused on administering Bond Act funding to support this important program and continue momentum to help address climate impacts, reduce harmful emissions, and improve quality of life for New York families.”

New York State Department of Public Service CEO Rory M. Christian said, “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 State 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 school transportation with zero-emission buses is a priority for Governor Hochul to ensure the health of New York students. The FY25-26 New York State Budget continued to build momentum for school districts to put electric school buses on the road this year while providing districts with additional flexibility and time to complete their electrification plans and get hands-on experience with this new technology. The new independent range estimate requirement for bus manufacturers will also give school districts greater confidence that the buses will meet specific mileage and route conditions.

Since NYSBIP’s launch, 88 school districts have applied for funds to purchase 529 buses, which includes 50 priority school districts accounting for 406 buses, and 400 districts are now working with NYSERDA to create Fleet Electrification Plans. The Bond Act requires that disadvantaged communities receive no less than 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of the benefit of total Bond Act funds. In line with this goal, NYSERDA aims to ensure that at least 40 percent of the New York School Bus Incentive Program benefits disadvantaged communities. Buses domiciled in priority districts are eligible for higher incentive amounts in support of new zero-emission buses and charging infrastructure.

New York State provides many resources for school bus fleet operators to transition their fleets to zero-emission buses, including an Electric School Bus Guidebook, a collection of practical user guides that highlight the benefits of electric school buses to make each part of transitioning a bus fleet easy to understand. This is a resource that can inform discussions 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. Fleet operators seeking assistance should contact NYSERDA at schoolbus@nyserda.ny.gov.

State Senator Kevin Parker said, “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. By accelerating the transition to electric school buses, we’re not only reducing harmful emissions but also improving air quality and public health in our communities, especially in neighborhoods that have long suffered from high pollution levels. This is a win for clean energy, for equity, and for every New Yorker.”

State Senator Shelley B. Mayer said, “I am pleased that an additional $200 million is now available to school districts to support the transition to zero-emission school buses. New York has been a leader in the fight against climate change, and this funding, provided through the historic Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act approved by New Yorkers, will further our efforts to reduce carbon emissions while alleviating financial burdens for New York schools. I would like to thank Governor Hochul and NYSERDA for their dedication to making New York a cleaner place, and I also extend my gratitude to the voters who approved this Bond Act.”

State Senator Jeremy Cooney said, New York must remain committed to our environmental goals for a brighter future for New Yorkers, but we also realize that the state has a role to play in making this clean energy transition a reality. Today’s announcement is an important step in the right direction, and proof that we’ll continue to help our public schools, bolster charging infrastructure, and create a cleaner, healthier New York.”

Assemblymember William Magnarelli said, “The Governor’s investment in zero-emission school buses shows the state’s continued commitment to climate leadership and advancing equitable access to clean transportation. The investment allows for a smooth transition to clean transportation and alleviates the anxiety of how districts will pay for the buses.”

Assemblymember Michael R. Benedetto said, “I applaud Governor Hochul for making this a priority. This $200 million will help many school districts as they work to make the transition to electric buses. It’s a meaningful step toward cleaner air and healthier communities for our children.”

Assemblymember Didi Barrett said, “The upfront cost of zero emission school buses has been a significant concern for all of the schools in my Assembly District, and the vast majority of districts across the State. This newly released funding from the 2022 Environmental Bond Act offers welcome financial support for our schools to electrify their bus fleets, bringing us closer to creating cleaner, safer and quieter commutes for our school children while helping us get closer to our ambitious climate goals.”

Association of School Business Officials Executive Director Brian Cechnicki said, “Continued investments, including this funding, are critical for school districts to meet the state's zero-emission bus mandate, and we are appreciative of NYSERDA for partnering with districts in this work.”

New York School Bus Contractors Association President Tommy Smith said, “The New York School Bus Contractors Association is grateful that New York State continues to lead in financing the transition to electric school buses. We are excited about the advancements in battery technology that will further accelerate this initiative and help deliver cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable transportation for our students.”

Mothers Out Front Distributed Senior Organizer Sarah Smiley said, “It is great news for students, parents, and school districts that more funding is now available for electric school buses, charging infrastructure, and fleet transition planning. We hope more districts leverage the New York School Bus Incentive Program funding so that our children have clean rides to school and we can reduce emissions for a healthier planet.”

For more than fifty years, NYSERDA has been a trusted and objective resource for New Yorkers, taking on the critical role of energy planning and policy analysis, along with making investments that drive New York toward a more sustainable future. New York State is investing nearly $3 billion in electrifying its transportation sector and rapidly advancing measures that all new passenger cars and trucks sold be zero-emission. There are a range of initiatives to grow access to EVs and improve clean transit for all New Yorkers including EV Make Ready, EVolve NY, Charge Ready NY 2.0, the Drive Clean Rebate, the New York Truck Voucher Incentive Program, and the Direct Current Fast Charger program.

New York State's Climate Agenda

New York State's climate agenda calls for an affordable and just transition to a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs, promotes economic growth through green investments, and directs a minimum of 35 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities. New York is advancing a suite of efforts to achieve an emissions-free economy by 2050, including in the energy, buildings, transportation, and waste sectors.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Contacts: 

Walter McClure | walter.mcclure@dmv.ny.gov

Andrew Waite | andrew.waite@dmv.ny.gov

DMV RENEWS EFFORTS TO GET MORE DRIVERS BEHIND THE WHEEL OF A SCHOOL BUS 

“Under-the-Hood” Exemption Eliminates Engine Compartment Requirement from School Bus Road Tests

Federal Waiver is Aimed at Reducing School Bus Driver Shortage

ALBANY—As the need for school bus drivers across the country, including in New York, persists, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles is reminding prospective school bus drivers about efforts designed to remove barriers to becoming a certified bus driver.

A waiver from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) known as the “Under-the-Hood” exemption allows only Commercial Driver License (CDL) applicants planning to become school bus drivers to skip the pre-trip engine inspection portion of their road test. The exemption is aimed at helping districts in states across the country hire more bus drivers without sacrificing safety, as all other existing school bus inspection and maintenance standards continue to apply.

During their road tests, applicants must still perform the remaining elements of the Commercial Driver License vehicle inspection skills test.

“By continuing to offer the Under-the-Hood exemption, we’re paving the way for more people to get behind the wheel of a school bus, where drivers are needed to perform a critical service in our communities,” said DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder, who also chairs the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. “What makes school bus drivers so irreplaceable is their ability to get our kids back and forth to school safely, not their ability to replace a crankshaft.”

DMV first implemented the exemption in January 2024 in support of Governor Kathy Hochul’s initiative to address the school bus driver shortage. Now that the waiver has been extended, DMV will continue to offer it through November 28, 2026, when the waiver is expected to expire.

In addition to offering the waiver, DMV has significantly expanded access to CDL road tests statewide by partnering with third parties to offer these tests rather than requiring applicants to take their skills tests at a DMV site. DMV has also worked with county-run DMV offices around the state to expand capacity for written commercial learner permit exams.

Despite these efforts, the need for bus drivers remains. In August 2022, nearly three-quarters of school district superintendents who responded to a New York State School Boards Association survey anticipated having bus driver staffing shortages that year. Districts still face a shortage, according to the New York School Bus Contactors Association.

“The driver shortage continues to be an issue for our members, with the impact varying by contractor. While we haven’t yet reached pre-COVID number of drivers, we are making progress, thanks in part to initiatives like the S-1 Under-the-Hood exemption,” said Paul Quinn Mori, Vice President of the New York School Bus Contractors Association. “For many potential drivers, the time spent under the hood can be stressful. The S-1 exemption allows these candidates to focus more on safe driving practices.”

The Under-the-Hood waiver applies to new CDL applicants or applicants who previously held, but no longer hold, a CDL and want the School Bus (S) and Passenger (P) endorsements. Applicants who have a current CDL are not eligible for this exemption.

CDL applicants who want the exemption must take the “Limited School Bus” road test.

The exemption requires the CDL Intrastate Only (K) restriction and the CDL School Bus Only (S1) restriction to be applied.

Applicants who choose to get the exemption must pass the “Limited School Bus” road test and visit a DMV office on or before November 28, 2026, to amend their license to a CDL.

Visit the DMV’s website for more information, including a list of steps to get a School Bus Only CDL.

For more information about the DMV, visit dmv.ny.gov or follow us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram.

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Click Here | Download the Press Release

Understanding Future Changes to FMCSA's Safety Measurement System

January 16, 2025 | 3:00 PM

Click Here to Register

Join the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for a webinar series to learn more about upcoming changes to the Safety Measurement System (SMS) methodology used to prioritize carriers for Agency intervention.

Part 1 of this series will focus on explaining the following three SMS enhancements:

You can review all the forthcoming changes on the CSA Prioritization Preview website.

FMCSA is currently redesigning the SMS web system to display the results of the new SMS methodology. In the coming months, FMCSA will announce the anticipated date for the launch of the new system. Until then, FMCSA will continue to use SMS to prioritize motor carriers for intervention.

The New York State Education Department posted the updated Consumer Price Index (CPI) for May 2024 is 3.9% to be used for contract extensions/multi-year term cost adjustments.

More detailed information can be found on the Pupil Transportation CPI Webpage.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) officials announced that yellow school buses with Department of Education contracts would be exempt from congestion pricing. This is good news for the school bus industry.

Click Here | NBC NY Article

Senate One-House Budget Bills Released on 03/11/24

Summary of provisions of interest to NYSBCA

Aid to Localities (S.8303-B)

• The Senate modifies the Executive recommendation of $44.9 billion, and adds $1.2 billion, for a total $46.1 billion, as follows:
  
  
• Rejects: - All Executive changes to Foundation Aid, including the elimination of "hold harmless" and redefining inflation. Redirects: - $100 million in unallocated funds to the school-aid run.
  
  
• Adds: $5 million for transportation after 4pm.
  
  

Article VII Proposals (S.8306-B)

The Senate modifies the Executive proposal related to school aid to:

• Expand the proposal that excludes Environmental Bond Act funds for the transition to zero emission buses from being considered revenue, by also excluding federal funds for the conversion.
  
  
• Establish a zero-emission bus agency leadership level-working group to spearhead the implementation of the transition to zero-emission school buses.
  
  
• Extend reimbursement, currently available to small city, central, common, and union free school districts, for the transportation of students below the current 1.5-mile limit when the State Education Department deems there is a safety issue to the Big 5 school districts.
  
  
• Increase funding for school transportation after 4pm in New York City.
  
  
• NEW PART YY -- The Senate advances language directing the Department of Financial Services to create a captive insurance program for commuter vans, black cars, ambulettes, paratransits, and small school buses, which works based off of S.8432.
  
  
• PART K -- The Senate modifies the Executive's proposal to create a Stretch Limousine Passenger Safety Act by advancing the Senate's Stretch Limousine Passenger Safety Package which includes required safety equipment and features, mileage or age based phase outs for limousines, pre-trip safety briefings, an update to the limo safety website, increased fines for operating a limo with an out of service defect, and the extension of the Stretch Limousine Passenger Safety task force (S.1443-A, S.1442, S.1367, S.1368, S.1370-A, S.1371, S.8376).
  
  
• The Senate additionally supports extending the school bus camera enforcement program authorization, which helps keep our children safe from the dangers of vehicles illegally over-passing stopped school buses.
  
  
• PART I -- The Senate modifies the Executive's proposal to authorize the City of New York to lower citywide speed limits from its current authorization of 25 miles per hour down to 20 miles per hour, and to lower school zone speed limits and traffic calming "slow zones" from 15 miles per hour to 10 miles per hour, to replace it with Sammy's Law (S.2422-B).
  
  
• NEW PART WW -- The Senate advances language to require all public transit operators that receive State assistance to purchase only zero-emissions buses and related equipment beginning January 1, 2029. This legislation also requires a best-value contracting framework to evaluate bids to promote higher wages and benefits and requires the development of a plan to train or retrain impacted auto workers (S.6089).
  
  
• NEW PART EEE -- The Senate advances language to require New York City to establish scramble crosswalks between the hours of 8AM and 4PM near school zones on weekdays (S.2515-C).
  
  
• PART M -- The Senate modifies the Executive proposal to sunset the State's COVID-19 Sick Leave Law on July 31, 2024, by continuing such benefits for employees that work in facilities licensed under Article 28 of the Public Health Law.
  
  
• NEW PARTY -- The Senate advances language to reduce the period from which striking workers are eligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits as a result of a labor dispute from two weeks to one week (S.4402).
  
  
• Article VII Proposals (S.8305-B) * PART N (WORKERS COMP)
  
  
• • The Senate modifies the Executive proposal to increase short-term disability leave benefits by implementing a progressive benefit structure over a three-year period and amends employee contributions provided that in no case shall employee contributions exceed $2.20 per week. The Senate also temporarily exempts workers and employers covered by a current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) until the expiration of such agreement (amended version of S.2821-B).
    
    
  • NEW PART III -- The Senate advances language to expand workers' compensation coverage for work-related post-traumatic stress disorder (S.6635).
    
    
  • NEW PART Z -- The Senate advances language to allow either party to a Workers' Compensation claim to request a hearing and to require a record of all hearings held (S.8445-A).

NYSBCA’s government relations team is still reviewing the NYS Assembly one-house budget provisions and will release a separate summary shortly. If you have any questions in relation to any of the provisions above please reach out to Brad Gerstman at Brad@gerstmangr.com for more information.

Click Here for the Governor's Announcement

• Wednesday, September 20th at 9:00 am at the NYSDOT Office (Hunters Point Plaza), 47-40 21st Street, Room 834 A/B, Long Island City NY 11101
  
  
• Thursday, September 21st at 9:00 am at the NYSDOT Office, 50 Wolf Road, Conference Room A/B (1st Floor), Colonie, NY 12205
  
  
• Monday, September 25th at 9:00 am at the NY State Office Building, 250 Veterans' Memorial Highway (SR 347/454), Basement Classroom (2/3), Hauppauge NY 11788

These seminars are free of charge and open to all persons involved in the operation of passenger carrying commercial motor vehicles (buses, vans, limousines) including drivers, managers, mechanics, and office support personnel.

Topics to include:

• Strategies to deter high risk unsafe driving behaviors
• Driver safety fitness
• Drug/Alcohol Clearinghouse requirements
• Federal/State regulation driver focused discussion
• NYSDOT/FMCSA operating authority requirements
• NYSDOT semi-annual inspection requirements
• NYSDMV 19A bus driver requirements

Please indicate which seminar date/ location/ # of persons to attend by sending an email to jean-paul.paraskevas@dot.ny.gov.

NYSBCA congratulates Nick and Kayla Vallone on the arrival of their second child, Isabel Quinn, born on August 22, 2023.

Welcome Isabel Quinn to the school bus family.

2023 Grants Notice of Funding Opportunity | Information Session #2

*NOTE* this webinar will be the same as the 5/10/23 webinar.

Click Here to Register

Attend this webinar to learn more about the Clean School Bus grant opportunity and share your feedback. Applications to this funding opportunity are due Tuesday, August 22, 2023.

For more information, please visit our website: epa.gov/cleanschoolbus

If you have any feedback, please email: cleanschoolbus@epa.gov