#United States #Electric Buses #Branford #Zūm #Branford Schools

Zūm Launches Its First Fully Electric School Bus Fleet

Zūm, a pioneering force in modern student transportation, has made a significant leap towards sustainability by announcing its inaugural fully electric school bus fleet for Branford Public Schools in Connecticut. Commencing in the 2026-2027 school year, this initiative positions Branford as the leading fully electric school district in the Northeast, with the added benefit of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities.

The deployment of a comprehensive electric fleet underscores a significant pivot in the approach toward student transport in America. This move not only aims to enhance student safety and reliability but also fosters environmental sustainability by reducing emissions and potentially supporting local energy grids.

A New Standard for Student Transportation

Branford's ambitious project will empower bus batteries to contribute to the local electrical grid when they are not in service, effectively optimizing resource use and reinforcing grid resilience. This innovative feature transforms school buses from mere transportation assets into powerful energy resources, promising increased grid stability while advancing district-wide sustainability goals.

Enhancing Safety and Reliability

Zūm's commitment to safety and reliability is reflected in its impressive 98% on-time arrival rate. Through a dedicated parent application, families can track their children's journeys in real-time, providing peace of mind during daily commutes. The new program was unveiled at an event at Zūm's Branford bus yard, featuring keynote remarks from local and state officials including Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz.

Electrification Beyond Branford

Ritu Narayan, Zūm’s Founder and CEO, remarked on the enormous significance of this initiative. He expressed that the transition to an electric fleet not only sets a new benchmark for how student transportation should function across the country but also demonstrates the feasibility of safe and reliable electric commutes today. This development comes on the heels of a decade-long contract between Zūm and Branford Public Schools, initially aiming for a complete electric bus transition within five years. Remarkably, the district is now on track to reach this milestone three years ahead of schedule.

Branford’s journey to electrification is already garnering attention, affirming Zūm's position as a national leader in this sector, with partnerships established in multiple states like California and Massachusetts to standardize modern student transport.

Looking Ahead

As Zūm opts for a more sustainable approach, this initiative could serve as a vital model for school districts across the Northeast and beyond. The focus not only on student safety and comfort but also on ecological responsibility shows a robust commitment to bettering future generations’ experiences with education and transportation.

Zūm’s innovative steps underline a crucial moment in the evolution of student transportation. As they continue to expand their initiatives, the future of clean and efficient school bus systems appears promising. Through technology advancement and community partnerships, Zūm is reimagining what transportation for students can look like in the years to come, ultimately laying the groundwork for a cleaner, more reliable commuting experience for students everywhere.