New York City Hall will spend $18,5 million on 51 new school buses: what makes them special
'02.11.2022'
Olga Derkach
New York City will buy 51 electric school buses for $18,5 million. Dozens of electric yellow school buses are due to hit the streets of the city next fall. The edition told in more detail Gothamist.
The city is using an $18,5 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from a bipartisan infrastructure bill to purchase 51 electric school buses. It's part of an effort to meet the city's and state's shared goal of converting all New York City school buses to electric by 2035.
“By celebrating the transition to zero-emission school buses that are much better for our children, we are creating a better future,” Mayor Eric Adams said, standing in front of a small Blue Bird school bus that was adorned with a green logo on the side to indicate that it runs on electric batteries.
Electric motors make the new buses quiet. When the new bus is running, the only sound it makes is a loud horn when reversing.
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There are about 5000 diesel-powered school buses in the city, and work is underway to convert buses that are 6 or 7 years old to electric power. The new electric buses will make up about 1% of the city's total fleet. But Robert Reichenbach, president of Bird Bus & Sales, said the move was an important step towards electrification. He estimates that there are currently only 36 electric school buses in the entire state.
“Refitting all the buses will be a big task,” he said.
His company advises the city on logistics, charging systems and retrofit equipment for older buses.
“Each individual bus really makes a big difference,” said Walter Magdin, EPA Deputy Regional Administrator.
This month's ballot initiative could pay for even more electric buses in New York. If voters approve the $4,2 billion green bond proposal, it would include $500 million for additional electric buses and the charging infrastructure needed to support them.
