Dearborn Public Schools Introduces 18 Innovative Electric School Buses for Cleaner Transportation
In a significant step towards sustainability, Dearborn Public Schools in Michigan has announced the addition of 18 state-of-the-art electric school buses to its fleet. This move embodies the district's dedication to fostering a healthier environment for its students and the wider community. By adopting electric buses, Dearborn aims not only to provide cleaner and quieter transportation but also to teach students about environmental stewardship. Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko emphasized how these buses serve as a practical lesson in being responsible for the planet.
The initiative was made possible thanks to a generous $7.1 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under its Clean School Bus Rebate Program. This funding allowed Dearborn Public Schools to collaborate with Highland Electric Fleets, a prominent name in electrification for school bus services in North America. As part of their partnership, Highland has installed 20 charging stations across the district, ensuring that the buses are fully charged and ready for daily routes. This infrastructure will support more efficient operations while minimizing the environmental footprint of the district’s transportation system.
The newly acquired Blue Bird All American Type D electric buses are notable for their zero-emission performance, eliminating harmful pollutants that can impact student health. Remarkably, these buses are capable of traveling up to 120 miles on a single charge and can be charged overnight within 6 to 8 hours. Their operation is significantly quieter compared to traditional diesel buses, thereby reducing noise pollution in the neighborhoods around the schools. Joshua Williams, Senior Midwestern Regional Manager at Highland Electric Fleets, pointed out that improvements in student performance and reduction in asthma risks can be achieved through cleaner transportation options, especially in areas with higher-than-average asthma rates, like Dearborn.
Blue Bird Corporation, the manufacturer of the buses, reiterated its role as a leader in electric vehicle technology, celebrating the long-standing relationship with Dearborn Public Schools. As Albert Burleigh, Vice President of North America Bus Sales at Blue Bird, stated, this partnership not only aims to enhance student safety and health but also seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly. The savings on operational costs are also compelling, with reports indicating that electric buses can have energy costs as low as 14 cents per mile, in stark contrast to diesel’s 79 cents per mile.
The introduction of electric buses is part of Dearborn Public Schools' broader mission to innovate and enhance both education and transportation for its nearly 20,000 students. As one of Michigan's largest school districts, Dearborn continues to implement strategies that support sustainable practices and educational excellence. The district operates numerous schools and offers various programs, including free preschool and early college opportunities to help prepare students for their academic futures.
As electric technology in transportation becomes more widespread, Dearborn Public Schools remains at the forefront of this movement, setting a strong example for other districts across the nation. By choosing to invest in electric vehicles, Dearborn is not only enhancing the educational experience for students but also contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future for all. This initiative encapsulates the district's vision to inspire, educate, and celebrate the community's commitment to both its students and the environment.
The initiative was made possible thanks to a generous $7.1 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under its Clean School Bus Rebate Program. This funding allowed Dearborn Public Schools to collaborate with Highland Electric Fleets, a prominent name in electrification for school bus services in North America. As part of their partnership, Highland has installed 20 charging stations across the district, ensuring that the buses are fully charged and ready for daily routes. This infrastructure will support more efficient operations while minimizing the environmental footprint of the district’s transportation system.
The newly acquired Blue Bird All American Type D electric buses are notable for their zero-emission performance, eliminating harmful pollutants that can impact student health. Remarkably, these buses are capable of traveling up to 120 miles on a single charge and can be charged overnight within 6 to 8 hours. Their operation is significantly quieter compared to traditional diesel buses, thereby reducing noise pollution in the neighborhoods around the schools. Joshua Williams, Senior Midwestern Regional Manager at Highland Electric Fleets, pointed out that improvements in student performance and reduction in asthma risks can be achieved through cleaner transportation options, especially in areas with higher-than-average asthma rates, like Dearborn.
Blue Bird Corporation, the manufacturer of the buses, reiterated its role as a leader in electric vehicle technology, celebrating the long-standing relationship with Dearborn Public Schools. As Albert Burleigh, Vice President of North America Bus Sales at Blue Bird, stated, this partnership not only aims to enhance student safety and health but also seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly. The savings on operational costs are also compelling, with reports indicating that electric buses can have energy costs as low as 14 cents per mile, in stark contrast to diesel’s 79 cents per mile.
The introduction of electric buses is part of Dearborn Public Schools' broader mission to innovate and enhance both education and transportation for its nearly 20,000 students. As one of Michigan's largest school districts, Dearborn continues to implement strategies that support sustainable practices and educational excellence. The district operates numerous schools and offers various programs, including free preschool and early college opportunities to help prepare students for their academic futures.
As electric technology in transportation becomes more widespread, Dearborn Public Schools remains at the forefront of this movement, setting a strong example for other districts across the nation. By choosing to invest in electric vehicles, Dearborn is not only enhancing the educational experience for students but also contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future for all. This initiative encapsulates the district's vision to inspire, educate, and celebrate the community's commitment to both its students and the environment.
Topics Consumer Technology）
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