First Student Achieves Major Milestone with 5 Million Electric School Bus Miles

First Student's Green Revolution: 5 Million Electric School Bus Miles

In a significant milestone for sustainable transportation, First Student, the largest provider of student transportation in North America, has recently announced its achievement of over 5 million miles traveled by electric school buses. This milestone, reached just a few months after surpassing the 4 million-mile mark, underscores the company's role as a trailblazer in electrified student transportation. The impressive numbers highlight not just the company's growth, but also its unwavering commitment to reducing environmental impact and enhancing student safety.

As the leader in electrified student transportation, First Student's electric school buses have successfully completed the equivalent of more than 10,000 cross-country journeys across the United States. This accomplishment goes beyond mere numbers; it illustrates the direct benefits of electric buses, which provide quieter, safer, and healthier transportation options for students and the communities they serve.

The Journey So Far

The ascent to 5 million electric miles is a reflection of First Student's strategic initiatives, particularly through its innovative First Charge program. This cutting-edge above-ground EV charging solution is facilitating rapid electrification efforts and eliminating the costly trenching that often accompanies traditional charging installations. Notably, First Charge allows for efficient deployment in various climates, including colder regions, ensuring that electric buses can be effectively utilized year-round.

John Kenning, CEO and President of First Student, stated, "Surpassing 5 million electric miles is an incredible milestone for our team and the communities we serve. At First Student, we hold ourselves to the highest standards, embracing innovation and teamwork to drive meaningful progress. Electrification is key to our mission of providing the safest, cleanest, and most efficient transportation for students."

Future Aspirations

As First Student forges ahead, there is a clear expectation to reach 6 million miles in the near future, furthering the momentum of this greening initiative. Kevin Matthews, head of electrification at First Student, emphasized the significance of each electric mile, noting, "Every electric mile driven means reduced emissions, cleaner air, and a safer ride for students. We are proud to lead the industry in electric school bus adoption and will continue to develop solutions that enable districts to transition quickly and cost-effectively."

The accolades received by First Student further exemplify its commitment to sustainable transportation. The company has recently been recognized with the BIG Award for Green Product of the Year and the 2025 Edison Award for scalable clean transportation energy. These awards serve as a testament to First Student's established standards for sustainability and excellence in the transition to greener transportation options for students globally.

Looking Ahead

As the need for environmentally friendly transportation options continues to grow, First Student remains dedicated to setting the benchmark for electric transportation in the school sector. The company aims to provide unmatched care and the safest ride to over 5.5 million students on a daily basis, completing roughly 1 billion student trips during the 2024-25 school year.

In conclusion, First Student's achievement of 5 million electric school bus miles represents not only a commitment to sustainable practices but also a step towards reducing carbon footprints and creating healthier environments for future generations. With innovations like First Charge and an ongoing dedication to electrification, First Student is set to lead the way in reimagining school transportation for years to come.