Bill A 8035 authorizes additional building aid for school districts to help cover specific infrastructure costs associated with zero-emission school buses. This aid addresses "incremental zero-emission school bus storage costs," which include modifications to bus facilities, specialized equipment, and advanced fire suppression systems. It also covers "incremental customer-owned make-ready costs" for infrastructure needed to install electric vehicle chargers. The aid applies to approved expenditures incurred through the 2034-2035 school year, provided these costs are not reimbursed by other state, federal, or utility funding sources. This measure aims to assist school districts with the necessary infrastructure investments for transitioning to zero-emission school bus fleets.
This bill creates a pilot program to help school districts transition to electric school buses by funding essential charging infrastructure. It allocates $20 million from the state general fund and $20 million from New York's clean energy fund (NYSERDA) to provide competitive annual grants for two school districts per economic development region. Grants cover planning and building clean energy micro-grids, including engineering and land use studies, to support reliable charging systems. The program will run from April 2026 through April 2031, with rules to be established by June 2026.
This bill exempts school buses from tolls in central business districts. It directly affects school districts and bus operators by eliminating toll charges for buses defined under vehicle law section 142. The key provision requires school districts to apply for the exemption through the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority with necessary documentation. The exemption takes effect immediately upon the bill's passage.
Establishes a public transportation expansion fund for the purpose of ensuring access to public transportation for publicly funded economic development projects.
Ensures zero-emission school buses and major components thereof are manufactured and assembled within the United States; provides for waivers of zero-emission school bus requirements in certain circumstances.
This bill allows all high school students attending public or private schools to ride public transportation for free, covering one daily round-trip between home and school. Schools must provide students with identification cards to verify eligibility for this benefit. The policy takes effect 180 days after the bill becomes law. It directly affects high school students and public transit systems in school districts.
Relates to requiring the department of transportation to prepare a plan for every public transportation system to be eligible to receive operating assistance in the purchase of new zero-emission buses or vehicles.
Expands smart growth public infrastructure criteria to apply to the New York State urban development corporation; adds the additional criteria of promoting public transit ridership and ensuring existing transit riders are able to access employment opportunities and cultural and recreational amenities with ease through the construction of transit facilities protected from extreme weather and traffic violence less than one quarter of a mile walking distance to such opportunities and amenities.
Provides that where the commissioner of health assumes the responsibility for the transportation of medicaid recipients in rural areas, existing public transportation systems shall be used when such systems are appropriate, available and the least expensive modes of transportation.
Establishes a public transportation expansion fund for the purpose of ensuring access to public transportation for publicly funded economic development projects.
