HVIP Public School Bus Set-Aside/Zero-Emission School Bus and Infrastructure (ZESBI)
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What does it fund?
Replacement of older internal combustion engine school buses with new zero-emission school buses.
What are the possible incentive amounts?
School Bus Type | Without a wheelchair lift | With a wheelchair lift |
Type A | $280,000 | $295,000 |
Type C | $340,000 | $355,000 |
Type D | $360,000 | $375,000 |
Who is eligible for funds?
The Zero-Emission School Bus and Infrastructure (ZESBI) project eligible applicants include California-based public school districts, public charter schools, county offices of education, and joint powers authorities.
Are there any recent policy changes?
There are no recent policy changes.
How does this program provide benefits to priority populations?
The program prioritizes applicants located in small and rural school districts as well as low-income and disadvantaged communities that have historically had limited access to funding for investments in zero-emission transportation. Funding will be used to purchase zero-emission school buses that reduce children’s exposure to harmful pollutants and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
How do I access funds?
A new round of applications for $55 million in funding, remaining from the first round of applications, will be accepted starting November 17, 2026, with a pre-application period now open. The pre-application period allows applicants to prepare applications and upload documentation ahead of the November 17, 2026, acceptance date. Starting November 17, 2026, at 10:00 am Pacific Time, applications can be submitted and will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. All applications for the second application round require at least one charging station per new zero-emission school bus requested. Learn more.
Funding Sources
- General Fund
- Proposition 98 General Funds