Brooklyn, N.Y. – September 18, 2026 -- First Student and Con Edison have completed the first phase of an electric school bus infrastructure project in New York City, cutting charging infrastructure construction costs by 13% through a trenchless deployment method.
Trenchless charging technology avoids underground trenching costs in dense boroughs
The project's core innovation, First Student's First ChargeTM system, is a trenchless, modular charging infrastructure solution that bypasses traditional underground trenching. The approach reduced construction costs by 13% while minimizing disruption in Brooklyn and Queens, two of the most logistically complex urban environments in the United States for utility work.
Electric buses already running on NYC Department of Education routes
Electric school buses supported by the new infrastructure are currently operating across Brooklyn and Queens serving the New York City Department of Education. The buses use advanced load management software to charge during off-peak hours, lowering energy costs and easing grid strain.
NYSERDA and Con Edison funding covered six bus vouchers and four retrofits
Con Edison and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) funded the project, including six bus vouchers issued through NYSERDA's New York School Bus Incentive Program via manufacturer International, plus funding for four retrofit buses through the New York Truck Voucher Incentive Program.
First Student plans 40 additional electric buses for NYC deployment
First Student is expanding its New York electrification footprint with 40 additional electric school buses to serve the city's Department of Education. The company is also evaluating expanded solar capacity and a smart energy hub at its Brooklyn facilities.
Fleet-wide electrification has reached 490 buses and 11.2 million miles
During the 2025-26 school year, First Student operated approximately 490 electric school buses across its network, with more than 550 additional vehicles on order. The company has logged over 11.2 million miles driven on electric buses to date.
EQT Infrastructure frames the project as a replicable utility-fleet model
EQT Infrastructure, which backs First Student, said the Brooklyn project pairs long-term capital with practical innovation to strengthen energy security. Con Edison executives said eliminating buried service lines lowers upfront costs for fleet operators and offers a model other utilities and fleets can replicate to accelerate electrification timelines.