TRANSPORTATION

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Having a trusted partner to assist the school district can help bring about clarity and ensure a timely implementation. If you need further guidance or have any questions on this topic, we're here to help. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our trusted experts to discuss your specific situation.

"NYS ELECTRIC VEHICLE BUS MANDATE & WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT"

Details the numerous considerations required for each phase of the transition. Learn More

FINANCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE EQUIPMENT STAFFING & OPERATIONS CONTRACTS TRAINING

Resources to Assist Districts

Electrification Transition Review/
WHat To Do ABout It

"SAMPLE TIMELINE"

is a tool districts can utilize to estimate the time it will take for each phrase of the transition. We would be happy to customize this for your district, based on your unique situation. Learn More

With the extensive and challenging considerations that are facing school districts it is imperative to commence the budget planning and strategy planning now to allow enough time to get the appropriate infrastructure in place while securing the appropriate approvals and funding.

Even if a district contracts their transportation services to a third party the district will still be required to make appropriate changes. Most notable will be the changes that will need to be made in the district's bid specifications. TAS is the industry leader in developing Bid/RFP specifications and language pertaining to the transition to electric buses.

State governments across the country have been taking major steps to speed up the transition from diesel powered bus fleets to zero emissions fleets (defined as electric school buses). In particular, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, California, Maryland, and Colorado have made the biggest strides, with some states even passing legislation that requires a full transition of school district fleets in the coming years.

These new requirements and initiatives have left school districts facing the myriad of challenges that come with a transition to electric school buses. The largest barriers for a district transitioning to electric vehicles are cost and complexity. The upfront costs of the electric buses are about three to four times that of diesel-powered buses. While there are federal and state programs to offset these costs, the incentives/ grants are tough to secure at the moment. There are a lot of factors districts must consider when contemplating this transition, including: cost (bus/chargers/ electricity); route length/range; battery considerations; charger selection; recharge time; infrastructure design/installation; managed or unmanaged charging; utility provider offerings; operational layout; maintenance; and safety.

Brian Lafountain

blafountain@transportationconsultants.com