North Syracuse reviews transportation strategy, opts for gasoline buses this year

Transportation took center stage at the recent North Syracuse Central School District meeting, with officials announcing a decision to continue purchasing gasoline buses for the upcoming year. Despite the growing trend towards electric buses, the district will not be adding any to its fleet in 2025, opting instead for a familiar route.

"We're not against electric buses and environmental initiatives," a district representative stated, emphasizing the need for a careful evaluation of New York State's strategy before making such a significant investment. The district has applied for NYSERDA and EPA grants and plans to consider electric buses in future purchases, but for now, the focus remains on traditional gasoline models.

This year, the district will acquire a total of 12 buses, including two specially designed 65-passenger buses equipped with wheelchair access and air conditioning for special needs students. Additionally, eight standard gasoline buses will be purchased, along with two larger buses featuring bigger gas tanks and luggage compartments. These larger buses are intended to support longer field trips for sports teams and fine arts programs.

Despite a noted decline in student enrollment, the district maintains that the need for 12 buses remains crucial. The rise in new housing developments within the district has led to increased transportation demands. The district employs a "triple trip" system, utilizing the entire fleet to efficiently transport students across various school levels.

As the district navigates its transportation strategy, officials remain committed to balancing immediate needs with future considerations for sustainability.