New York School Bus Incentive Program (PON 5552)
New York School Bus Incentive Program (PON 5552) supports school districts and transportation providers with zero-emission bus and charging vouchers to reduce emissions and improve health.
Funder: New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
Due Dates: Rolling (first-come, first-served, while funding allows)
Funding Amounts: $300 million available; base bus vouchers of $105,000–$156,000 plus eligible bonuses; charging vouchers of $25,000–$65,000 per bus
Summary: Point-of-sale vouchers support zero-emission school buses and associated charging infrastructure serving New York State public school districts.
Key Information: Separate applications are required for bus and charging vouchers, with five years of operation and usage reporting.
Description
The New York School Bus Incentive Program (NYSBIP), administered by NYSERDA, uses 2022 Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act funding to accelerate zero-emission school bus deployment throughout New York State. It supports new and repowered battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell school buses, alongside associated charging infrastructure.
Bus vouchers reduce the purchaser’s upfront price through an approved dealer, while charging vouchers reimburse purchasers for eligible infrastructure and installation costs. The program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and petroleum dependence while improving health outcomes for students, drivers, and disadvantaged communities. It supports the state’s transition to zero-emission school bus purchases by 2027 and an entirely zero-emission operating fleet by 2035.
