Res. No. 200

Resolution calling on the State Legislature to enact, and for the Governor to sign, legislation to establish an Electric School Bus Worker Cooperative program.

By Council Members Rosenthal, Levin, Cornegy, Dromm, Maisel and Brannan

Whereas, In New York City, the Department of Education Office of Pupil Transportation (“OPT”) is responsible for providing school bus transportation to eligible pupils; and

Whereas, According to proponents of an electric school bus worker cooperative program, OPT spends over $1 billion annually on pupil transportation in New York City; and

Whereas, Moreover, according to the same advocates, the City currently maintains contracts with 125 private entities who provide pupil transportation services; and

Whereas, While OPT spends a substantial amount on school bus transportation, the quality of the transportation provided has been subject to criticism from parent and worker advocates; and

Whereas, Proponents of an electric school bus worker cooperative program argue that an alternative means of pupil transportation should be provided; and

Whereas, Such a cooperative program would be designed to benefit students, parents, workers, and the City; and

Whereas, Moreover, the cooperative would be required to utilize electric buses that would be beneficial to the environment; and

Whereas, The City is currently exploring numerous means to reduce air pollution, and dependence on fossil fuel technologies; and

Whereas, An electric school bus worker cooperative program has the potential of achieving improved service for students and parents, better working conditions for workers, and a cleaner environment for New York City; now, therefore, be it

                     Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the State Legislature to enact, and for the Governor to sign, legislation to establish an Electric School Bus Worker Cooperative program.

GZ/JJD

LS 4926

1/16/2018