Duval Schools Go Green with Zero-Emission Buses

Duval County Public Schools has introduced 36 new electric school buses that will be operational at the start of the new academic year. This significant fleet upgrade was made possible through funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Clean School Bus Program. Durham School Services will manage 26 of these buses, while Student Transportation of America will operate the remaining 10.

The new electric buses are slated to serve students in Jacksonville's Northside, Downtown, the Beaches, and Arlington areas. Officials emphasized the advantages of the electric fleet, noting their quieter performance compared to traditional diesel buses and the complete absence of diesel exhaust emissions. Highland Electric Fleets indicated that cleaner air resulting from these buses could positively impact children's health.

In addition to environmental benefits, school officials anticipate that the electric buses will incur lower long-term maintenance expenses than their diesel counterparts. Drivers have undergone specialized training to ensure the safe operation of these advanced vehicles before students return to classes this fall. This initiative represents a commitment to improved air quality and potentially better health outcomes for students.