State Awards $11.7 Million to Electrify Public School Buses
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center announced $11.7 million in funding for six school districts and private transportation providers as part of the fourth round of the School Bus Deployment program. This initiative supports communities putting dependable, modern, electric school buses on the road, making transportation more reliable for students and more affordable for school districts.
“We’re helping school districts upgrade their buses and give our kids the best,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “By electrifying school buses, we’re reducing pollution and making transportation more affordable for schools.”
The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s (MassCEC) School Bus Deployment program provides both financial support and hands-on technical planning assistance to ensure a smooth transition for school districts. The program also focuses on supporting high-need and environmental justice communities.
Round 4 grantees include Boston Public Schools ($2,500,000), Acton-Boxborough Regional School District ($1,959,000), Springfield Public Schools ($598,375), Doherty’s Garage Inc. supporting Lincoln and Newton Public Schools ($2,425,000), Highland Electric supporting Belmont Public Schools ($1,839,013), and Student Transportation of America supporting Chicopee Public Schools ($2,390,000).
“The School Bus Deployment program gives communities the tools to provide cleaner, healthier transportation for students,” said Rebecca Tepper, Massachusetts secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs. “This funding improves air quality and protects the long-term health of Massachusetts children and residents.”
To date, MassCEC’s School Bus Deployment program has funded projects to purchase 423 electric school buses across 20 districts and their transportation operators, representing a total investment of more than $34 million. These projects reflect significant statewide momentum toward cleaner, healthier student transportation, while building practical experience in charging infrastructure, operations, and utility coordination.
