Albany, NY – This year’s state budget included welcome news for many districts struggling to conform to the 2022 statewide electric bus mandate: districts will get five more years to figure out the best route forward.
“This is a common-sense adjustment to the timeline, not an abandonment of the goal,” said NYSUT President Melinda Person. “Everyone wants cleaner school transportation and a successful transition to electric buses — but districts need more time and flexibility to do it right.”
In 2022, New York announced all new buses purchased or leased after July 1, 2027, must be zero emission and that every school district in New York must convert their bus fleet to electric no later than July 1, 2035. This year, thanks to NYSUT advocacy, the deadline to purchase zero emission buses was moved to 2032, and the deadline to convert New York bus fleets to electric was moved to 2040.
“The decision to extend the deadline for districts to transition to electric bus fleets is a wise one,” said NYSUT Second Vice President Ron Gross. “We know our members want to help create a more sustainable future for New York, but they need appropriate time and the resources to make this policy a reality.”
“From infrastructure and grid capacity to long rural routes and harsh winter weather, schools deserve a realistic implementation plan that works for every community,” explained Person.
The postponement comes as a relief for many members who still have lots of concerns about how to implement the mandate.
