Modesto City Schools Leading the Way with Half-Electric Bus Fleet
In a significant move towards environmental sustainability, Modesto City Schools has become one of the first school districts in California to convert half of its bus fleet to electric vehicles. With the recent addition of its 30th electric bus, the district is making strides in reducing harmful carbon emissions in the Central Valley.
Dr. Sara Noguchi, Superintendent of Modesto City Schools, expressed pride in completing the fleet of electric buses, emphasizing the district’s commitment to environmental sustainability. The impact of this project goes beyond Modesto, serving as an example for other districts to prioritize sustainability and allocate resources towards this essential goal.
By replacing 30 diesel-powered school buses with zero-emission vehicles, Modesto City Schools is making a significant environmental impact. This transition reduces harmful carbon emissions by 367.5 metric tons annually in the Central Valley. To put it in perspective, this is equivalent to taking 81 gasoline-powered cars off the road for an entire year.
Blue Bird Corporation, the provider of these electric buses, expressed their pride in collaborating with Modesto City Schools and their commitment to cleaner air. As an industry first, this milestone showcases the increasing demand for clean and sustainable school bus transportation. Blue Bird continues to expand its electric school bus production to meet this growing need.
A key aspect of this initiative is the charging infrastructure for the electric buses. Each bus is charged using solar carports and charging stations, alleviating strain on the city’s power system. These projects also serve as a catalyst for enhancing technical education for high school students in the district. The incorporation of renewable energy curriculum into the Career Technical Education (CTE) classes provides students with valuable knowledge and prepares them for future careers.
The unmistakable green front bumper of the electric school buses represents Modesto City Schools’ commitment to sustainability. Tim Zearley, Associate Superintendent of Business Services, highlighted the district’s efforts to reduce their environmental impact while educating students about the careers of the future.
Modesto City Schools’ partnership with Blue Bird’s authorized school bus dealer, A-Z Bus Sales, made the purchase of 30 Electric School Buses possible. This order reportedly sets a record as the largest single order of Blue Bird Electric school buses in the nation, further solidifying Modesto City Schools’ position as a leader in sustainable transportation.
As personal injury bloggers, we commend Modesto City Schools for their forward-thinking approach and dedication to reducing environmental impact. Initiatives like these have a lasting positive effect on the community and pave the way for a greener and more sustainable future. Let us join together in celebrating this milestone achievement and continue to support efforts that prioritize the well-being of our planet.