Pontiac School District is going green in a big way, prepping to launch 40 electric school buses for the next academic year. This move comes as part of a broader federal push to phase out diesel-fueled school transportation, The Pontiac School District is strapping in for the largest electric vehicle fleet in Oakland County, Michigan.
The charge into the future of transportation is fueled by the Clean School Bus program, a chunk of a 5-year, $5 billion federal investment. The aim is simple but significant: to reduce the carbon tire tracks of school bus fleets nationwide, The program is putting $5.9 million each into the coffers of Detroit Public Schools Community District and Lansing Public Schools for 15 clean-powered buses apiece, Detroit News reported.
A fleet of new electric buses means a quieter, more sustainable commute - and not just for the kids. According to Michigan EGLE Director Philip Roos, these buses could improve the daily lives of residents along the bus routes as well. "Can you imagine being on a bus where now I don’t have to yell, I can have a regular conversation?" Pontiac School District School Board President Gill Garrett was quoted.
EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore and Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) Director Phil Roos attended the district’s unveiling.“With this investment, Pontiac is prepared to once again be the epicenter of transportation innovation, as the school district is now on its way to operate the country's first all-electric fleet,” Shore proudly professed at the event, signaling not just change but a return to form for the historic automotive hotbed, according to The Detroit News.
Technicians like Johnny Hart, who works with First Student, the group handling bus services for the district, are revved up for the new tech.“I actually took this job because I wanted to make sure that this fleet was successful with the EVs because I know how important it is for the world to move away from fossil fuels,” Hart relayed to The Detroit News.
Further underscoring the district's forward momentum, an EPA press release highlighted the regional commitment to cleaner transportation. The Pontiac School District is among the lucky draw in a nearly $6 million lot from EPA's Clean School Bus program. "The positive impact these buses will bring to the wellbeing of our students and our community as a whole is incredible," Dr. Kimberly Leverette, Interim Superintendent was cheered, reflecting hope and excitement for Pontiac's fresh chapter, as noted in the release at epa.gov.
