Hilton Electric Bus Forum

The Hilton Central School District held a forum on February 2, 2026, focused on the transition to electric school buses in compliance with New York State mandates. District officials, along with representatives from Matthews Buses, NAERTA, and RG&E, discussed the current fleet composition, the state and federal funding landscape, and the district's cautious approach to electrification. Key procurement topics included the planned May 2026 budget vote featuring two propositions for bus purchases: one for electric buses (with a cost of approximately $495,000 per bus, offset by a $220,500 state grant and 80.4% transportation aid) and another for traditional gasoline and diesel buses. The district is also preparing for infrastructure upgrades, including charging stations, with potential utility incentives covering a significant portion of installation costs. Presenters detailed the technical specifications, maintenance requirements, and safety training for electric buses, emphasizing the importance of route feasibility studies and fleet electrification plans to optimize deployment. Questions from the public addressed cost comparisons, grant availability, battery recycling, and contingency plans if funding or votes fail. The district underscored the need for ongoing community support to meet the 2035 full electrification mandate while balancing fiscal responsibility and operational readiness.