Zenobē and Educational Bus Transportation Launch Electric School Bus Fleet for Long Island Students
In a significant step towards sustainable education transportation, Zenobē, a leader in fleet electrification, has teamed up with Educational Bus Transportation, Inc. (EBT) to roll out an electric school bus fleet serving the Copiague Public Schools on Long Island. This initiative will commence with the introduction of ten electric buses along with the necessary charging infrastructure, marking a vital move towards cleaner commuting options for students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
This project has garnered support from the New York School Bus Incentive Program, which is operated by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). Zenobē has also contributed additional funding, underscoring its commitment to sustainable energy solutions in school environments. The electric buses are expected to serve around 4,500 students, providing them with a reliable and pollution-free way to reach their academic establishments.
Zenobē is spearheading the development of charging stations for this fleet at Copiague. The design of this infrastructure is intended to be scalable, ensuring that as EBT and its parent company, The Trans Group, expand their electric fleet, the infrastructure will also accommodate this growth. Currently, The Trans Group manages over 1,400 buses across various pupil transportation services and transit lines.
Tim Flood, Executive Vice President of The Trans Group, expressed enthusiasm about this electric transition. He remarked, “As a longstanding transportation service provider in Long Island, we are excited to advance clean school bus options for our students and drivers. The collaboration with NYSERDA and Zenobē is pivotal in maintaining our progress towards safe and clean transportation.”
Maggie Clancy, Executive Vice President for Zenobē, highlighted the company’s role beyond providing technical services. She emphasized the importance of ensuring operational reliability and financial sustainability through battery performance guarantees and charge management services. This assistance will empower EBT to safely transport students while enforcing environmental sustainability.
Zenobē’s involvement includes managing the buses' batteries and charging infrastructure, ensuring the buses are always ready for their routes. Close coordination with local energy providers is ongoing to secure adequate electricity to support fleet expansion.
Adam Ruder, NYSERDA Director of Clean Transportation, conveyed pride in supporting EBT and Zenobē's efforts. The introduction of electric school buses is a significant stride for Copiague’s communities, enhancing air quality and reducing pollution levels. Shreya Malik, Managing Director at KKR, another supporter of Zenobē, noted this partnership exemplifies how public and private funding can converge to promote cleaner transportation solutions for local communities.
Zenobē, founded in 2017, has positioned itself as a pioneer in the electric vehicle sector, operating over 3,400 electric vehicles across 122 depots globally. With its North American headquarters in Chicago and a significant presence in New York, the company is actively expanding its portfolio to meet the increasing demand for sustainable transportation options.
Educational Bus Transportation and its parent company, The Trans Group, are central players in public school transportation within Nassau and western Suffolk Counties. With their extensive operational experience and commitment to safety and reliability, they are uniquely positioned to lead the shift to electric school buses. Their fleet will now contribute not only to the safety of its passengers but also to the health of the local environment, illustrated by their continued efforts in adapting to cleaner energy solutions.
As initiatives like the New York School Bus Incentive Program gain momentum, combined with adept private sector partnerships, the future of school transportation is brighter and more sustainable. This project in Copiague serves as a model for other regions considering similar transitions, showing that innovation in transportation can align with educational necessities while prioritizing the planet’s health.