Grants to Replace or Retrofit School Buses
The Texas Clean School Bus program (TCSB) is designed to reduce school children’s exposure to diesel exhaust from school buses.
Now Accepting Applications
We are accepting applications for grants through 5 p.m. CT, May 22, 2026, while funds remain.
This is a first-come, first-served grant based on criteria described in the Request for Grant Applications below.
How to Apply
Step 1 Determine if you are eligible
Eligible applicants
- All public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools in Texas.
- Private schools do not qualify for funding.
Eligible replacement projects
- Replacement of 2006 model year or older diesel-fueled school buses with buses of the current or previous model year at the time of application.
- School buses proposed for replacement must currently, and for at least the two years immediately preceding the grant application, have been owned, registered, and operated by the applicant in Texas.
- School buses proposed for replacement must currently be used on a regular daily route to and from a school during the regular school year.
Eligible retrofit projects
- Purchase and installation of eligible retrofit systems - closed crankcase filtration systems, diesel particulate filters, or diesel oxidation catalysts.
- A school bus proposed for retrofit must currently be used on a regular daily route to and from a school during the regular school year and have at least five years of useful life remaining.
Eligible areas
Texas
Review documents to ensure eligibility
Step 2 Estimate your maximum grant amount
Replacement projects
Review the Maximum Grant Amount Tables to determine your potential grant amount for replacement projects. Applicants may be eligible for up to the maximum grant amount listed for the type of activity or 80% of the incremental cost (the eligible costs associated with the qualifying vehicle or engine minus scrappage value), whichever is less.
Retrofit projects
See the RFGA, Section 3.3 for eligible costs for retrofit projects.
Step 3 Collect documents and fill out forms
Replacement projects
Replacement project applications must be submitted online (see step 3).
- IRS Form W-9
- Supplemental Form - Waiver Request (TCEQ-20804-c) (if applicable)
- Texas Title and Registration
- Equipment Photos - Guidelines and examples of required photos for current equipment
Retrofit projects
Step 4 Submit your application
Replacement applications
Applications must be completed and submitted electronically through TERP Online SUNSS.
- Review the online application instructions.
- Complete the online application.
- Upload IRS Form W-9 and other required attachments (if applicable).
Retrofit applications
Online Submissions
Securely upload your completed application and any required supporting documentation using our secure site.
- Enter your email address to authenticate. In the subject field, briefly describe what you are submitting (e.g., “TCSB Retrofit Application – Yosemite ISD”) and provide any additional information in the message field.
- Add all files. If you have multiple files to upload, consider packaging them all into a single ZIP file and upload this ZIP file instead of individual files.
- Click Send to complete your submission. You will automatically receive a submission confirmation email.
Regular Mail
Air Grants Division, MC-204 (TCSB)
P.O. Box 13087
Austin, TX 78711-3087
Express Mail
Air Grants Division, MC-204 (TCSB)
12100 Park 35 Circle
Building F, 1st Floor, Suite 1301
Austin, TX 78753