As recently reported by Monsey Scoop, the Village of New Square has applied for and been tentatively awarded a $26 million grant through the EPA’s Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program. This initiative aims to replace 48 diesel school buses with electric buses, benefiting many fleets across Rockland County that serve thousands of students in the East Ramapo Central School District. The Village of New Square is the applicant for this grant, marking a significant step toward modernizing local transportation systems and reducing emissions.
On Tuesday morning, a demonstration of electric school buses was held in New Square, providing local transportation managers a firsthand opportunity to assess the technology’s performance and suitability for the area’s routes. The event highlighted the potential of electric buses to meet the range and operational needs of local fleets, which serve thousands of students daily.
Following the demonstration, transportation leaders convened at New Square Village Hall for a lunch and informational session. The gathering facilitated discussions about the advantages of transitioning to electric buses, including reduced operating costs, improved air quality, and decreased environmental impact.
The event was organized by Chaim Friedman of Appleland Consulting, a recognized expert in fleet electrification. With extensive experience in guiding organizations through the transition to electric vehicles, Friedman provided valuable insights into the logistics and benefits of adopting this cleaner technology.
This initiative aligns with the federal government’s broader efforts to cut transportation-related emissions and improve air quality in communities nationwide. For New Square, the transition to electric buses represents a significant investment in sustainable infrastructure and an enhanced transportation experience for students and families in Rockland County.
Local leaders remain optimistic about the long-term benefits of this initiative, viewing it as a key step toward a greener and more efficient future for the region’s school transportation system.
