School leaders are raising concerns about New York’s mandate requiring districts to purchase only electric school buses starting in 2027. Superintendents Thomas Douglas and Kai D’Alleva recently argued the policy is financially and logistically unfeasible due to high costs, inadequate infrastructure, and technological limitations.
Electric buses, costing up to $500,000 each, would strain local budgets without clear state funding mechanisms. Cold weather also reduces battery life, and in rural areas, buses may need multiple recharges to complete daily routes. Current studies suggest districts may need to double their fleets to meet transportation needs.
Superintendents stress that without technological improvements or funding solutions, implementation challenges will persist.
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