BUFFALO, NY (WOWO) Parents in western New York are raising concerns about electric school buses during winter weather, citing reports of cold rides and occasional delays.

According to reports from WIVB, families in the Lake Shore Central School District say some children have returned home cold after riding electric buses during low temperatures. Parents told the station they were informed that heaters draw power from the same batteries used to operate the buses, leading to concerns about reduced battery range.

The district currently operates a mixed fleet that includes electric, gasoline, and diesel buses. Several parents reported hearing about at least one electric bus breaking down, resulting in delays and students waiting outside in cold conditions.

The Lake Shore Central School District superintendent said in a statement that district transportation procedures require heat to be used on all routes. Officials say routes are designed so electric bus battery capacity can support both transportation needs and continuous heating, even during winter weather. The district says it continues to provide training and support for transportation staff as it transitions to electric buses under state requirements.

New York State policy requires that all new school bus purchases be electric by 2027. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority says electric school buses are capable of maintaining heat in cold conditions and that battery range, while reduced in winter, is generally sufficient for most local routes.

Parents say they want assurances that students will remain warm and transportation will remain reliable as districts continue the transition to electric buses.