The Accelerating Clean Transportation (ACT) School Bus Advisory Services Program, offered by MassCEC, provides no-cost fleet electrification planning support to public school districts in Massachusetts. The program aims to help districts overcome common barriers to electrifying school bus fleets, such as high upfront costs, coordination challenges with third-party operators, technical knowledge gaps, and resource constraints. The program is designed to equip school districts with the necessary planning and tools to transition from diesel to electric buses.
MassCEC has partnered with a consultant team led by VEIC, which specializes in sustainable energy and transportation electrification. VEIC works alongside PowerOptions, a New England energy consortium, and Energetics, a consulting firm focused on clean energy strategies. Together, they offer services including vehicle and charging infrastructure analysis, feasibility designs, financial modeling, procurement planning, funding application support, and educational materials.
Eligible applicants include all public school districts in Massachusetts, including those working with third-party bus operators. Participation in the program does not prevent districts from applying for future MassCEC Fleet Deployment Program opportunities, which provide funding for bus procurement and infrastructure installation.
The program operates on a rolling application basis, and services begin as soon as districts are selected and sign a letter of commitment. Within six months, districts receive a comprehensive Fleet Electrification Plan outlining actionable steps, funding opportunities, procurement timelines, stakeholder roles, vehicle electrification options, charging equipment recommendations, cost assessments, and post-deployment operational guidance.
School districts interested in participating can express their interest by contacting Sam Riccio at SRiccio@veic.org. For additional information or guidance, MassCEC offers virtual office hours and ongoing support from the Clean Transportation team.
