BRITISH COLUMBIA’S FIRST ELECTRIC SCHOOL BUS ENTERS SERVICE

While it might look like a traditional school bus, it sure doesn’t sound like one. An utterly quiet 100% electric school bus began transporting hundreds of students in the Sooke School District on Monday and was introduced to local media today.

“We are making history and we’re incredibly proud to be piloting electric buses” said Tracey Syrota, School District 62 Manager of Transportation. “It’s inspiring to see that we are reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while making a positive shift towards a sustainable future.”

The first of two electric vehicles that will be joining the School District 62 fleet this month, the bus is manufactured by the IC Bus division of Navistar International, with a 350 Km range and significant reduction in fuel and maintenance costs.

Each electric bus is estimated to save over 2000 Liters of diesel fuel and eliminate almost 6 metric tons of CO2 as well as reducing 5-15x more of other airborne particulates.

Currently, the electric bus makes three runs each day for students in elementary and secondary schools on the Westshore. And each child riding the bus for the first time receives a card acknowledging the historic milestone.

David Grove, President of the Victoria Electric Vehicle Association, was particularly proud of the change, stating, “Moving our children to a fully electric school bus demonstrates that SD62 understands the health benefits of avoiding diesel exhaust for both kids and drivers, as well as eliminating emissions in our community. The added benefits of reduced fuel and maintenance costs also leaves more money in school budgets for valuable educational priorities.”