The New York Association for Pupil Transportation (NYAPT) is advocating in 2021 for two major initiatives in New York:
New York State Tax Credit to address school bus driver shortage: The school bus driver shortage is reaching critical levels in New York. The initial cost of becoming a licensed school bus driver in New York State (NYS) is significant. NYAPT is proposing the adoption of a NYS Tax Credit for prospective school bus drivers who are hired by a school district or private contractor operation after adoption of this incentive, provided they have completed a full year of service as evidenced by date of hire on the New York State Department of Motor Vehicle 19-A roster. NYAPT proposes a first-year credit of $500, and $250 for each subsequent year the school bus driver is gainfully employed with a school district or contractor as a certified school bus driver. This incentive is meant to help offset the expenses incurred by a prospective bus driver candidate to become certified as a school bus driver.
Electrification of state school bus fleet: New York State has embarked on an aggressive goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the state. The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, enacted in 2019, establishes goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2030 and 85 percent by 2050 from 1990 levels. School bus fleets are targeted for conversion to electric power to assist in achieving those goals. Electric-powered school bus acquisition costs are three times more than school buses powered by diesel or gas. Funding is requested to offset the differential cost between a diesel or gas-powered bus and an electric-powered bus to make it possible for school districts to purchase electric-powered school buses.