On Friday, Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled two tools to support New York State's transition to zero-emission school bus fleets.

NYC School Bus.Photo byJean WoloszczykonUnsplash

The materials, known as the New York State Electric School Bus Roadmap and The Electric School Bus Guidebook, aid school districts and bus companies with phasing out the use of fossil fuel-powered vehicles by covering expenses, difficulties, suggestions, development, training, and other factors. According to the state, the roadmap and manual will both be revised on a regular basis to reflect shifting zero-emission school bus market conditions.

The state declared that it would keep subsidizing the transition by doing so.

Hochul noted that underprivileged areas and educational districts with significant needs will receive special attention.

All School Buses On The Road Must Be Zero-Emission By 2035

The state's mandate that all new school buses sold within its borders be zero-emission by 2027 and that all school buses on the road be zero-emission by 2035 is supported by the transition to zero-emission vehicles. These rules are in accordance with the 2019-passed Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act in New York.

In the upcoming years, sales of zero-emission buses that will be propelled by both batteries and hydrogen fuel cells will be possible, according to the state.

Approximately 10% of the nation's school buses, or 45,000, are found in New York, according to state statistics.

Strike An Agreement

In light of the impending possibility of a school bus strike in New York City, Hochul issued the directive. Should the city and Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1181, which represents nearly half of the city's bus drivers and attendants, be unable to strike an agreement, service may be disrupted for thousands of pupils, including those attending public and private schools.

Families can check their New York City Schools Account (NYCSA) at schoolsaccount.nyc to determine which company runs their bus route, or they can speak with the transportation coordinator at their child's school.