#USA #Woodland #Electric School Buses #KWRL Cooperative #Thomas Built

KWRL Transportation Cooperative Unveils Electric School Bus Fleet

The KWRL Transportation Cooperative is excited to announce the roll-out of 14 electric school buses, marking a significant step towards greener transportation for students in the Kalama, Woodland, Ridgefield, and La Center school districts. This milestone will be celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Woodland bus depot.

The new fleet, which consists of Thomas Built Jouley electric buses, will operate out of depots located in Woodland and Ridgefield, Washington. The implementation of this fleet is expected to transform the daily transportation of up to 1,200 students across these districts. The buses are equipped with on-site charging infrastructure comprising 16 Zerova 30 kW chargers, ready to support the fleet’s daily operations as they cover approximately 700 miles.

This initiative represents considerable cost savings and health benefits for the local community. KWRL and Woodland Public Schools anticipate operational savings of around $400,000 over time. This includes an estimated saving of $200,000 each year due to decreased diesel fuel consumption and reduced maintenance needs.

Shannon Barnett, the Transportation Director for KWRL, remarked on the collaborative effort behind this initiative: “This project is a testament to the power of partnership. By working together to diversify transportation methods, we have unlocked new efficiencies that will benefit the Kalama, Woodland, Ridgefield, and La Center school districts for years to come.”

The deployment process has seen a partnership formed between a wide range of stakeholders dedicated to optimizing vehicle support, installing charging infrastructure, and facilitating daily fleet operations. Highland Electric Fleets has played a crucial role in this project through its Electrification-as-a-Service (EaaS) model, allowing for streamlined coordination between electric buses, charging facilities, and fleet maintenance.

Duncan McIntyre, CEO of Highland Electric Fleets, emphasized the health benefits of electric buses: “Electric school buses remove diesel exhaust from daily routes and bus stops, benefiting students, drivers, and nearby communities. In fact, replacing five diesel school buses with electric ones can reduce the risk of pediatric asthma for approximately 1,500 students. This transition also offers quieter and smoother rides, supporting a calmer start to each school day.”

The funding for the project has been bolstered by substantial federal, state, and local contributions, including $2.8 million from the EPA Clean School Bus Rebate Program, nearly $3.0 million from the Washington Department of Ecology for vehicle and infrastructure support, and $300,000 from Clark Public Utilities for building infrastructure at the Ridgefield depot.

KWRL is designed as a cooperative effort among the Kalama, Woodland, Ridgefield, and LaCenter school districts. This cooperative framework is encouraged in Washington State to enhance transportation efficiency in small and rural districts through shared operations. The KWRL initiative operates under a consolidated administrative team, maintenance department, and student management approach, which further streamlines resources and reduces redundant expenditures across the districts.

Highland Electric Fleets, founded in 2019, is recognized as a pioneer in Electrification-as-a-Service. Catering to school districts, municipalities, and fleet operators, Highland aims to simplify and make the transition to electric fleets both accessible and affordable. They are also the official electric school bus provider for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, showcasing their commitment to advancing sustainable transportation initiatives.

As KWRL takes this monumental step in transitioning to electric school buses, the potential for positive impact reaches beyond just immediate transportation needs. It signifies a stride towards greater sustainability and a commitment to a healthier future for children and community members alike. This collaboration showcases the power of innovative solutions in education and community health, highlighting the importance of investing in green technology for the well-being of future generations.