First Student: How 5,000 EVs Boost Air Quality in the US
First Student, an in-school transportation and fleet electrification operator, has partnered with Tacoma Public Schools to introduce 14 electric school buses to enhance student transportation while significantly reducing environmental impact.
The deployment strengthens a robust collaboration between Tacoma’s Student Transportation Services and First Student, which provides daily school bus transportation for approximately 5,000 students.
As North America’s premier school transportation solutions provider, First Student facilitates the daily commute of 5.5 million students, completing an estimated one billion student trips annually. Its expansive fleet includes around 45,000 buses, ensuring a reliable, high-quality service tailored to meet diverse student needs.
Advancing green mobility in Tacoma
Introducing electric school buses aligns with Tacoma Public Schools’ strategic vision for a more sustainable and health-conscious future. The new buses, funded through the Washington State Department of Ecology for three buses and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean School Bus Program for 11 buses, mark a significant step toward reducing the school district’s carbon footprint.
With lower maintenance costs and eliminating fuel expenses, Tacoma Public Schools can reinvest savings into classroom resources, educational initiatives and student enrichment programs.
Additionally, electric buses provide a quieter, smoother ride, fostering a more focused and comfortable student environment.
“Our ongoing partnership with Tacoma Public Schools reflects our commitment to building a cleaner, healthier future for the communities we serve," says Kevin Matthews, Head of Electrification at First Student.
"As the industry leader with the most electric buses deployed in North America, we are proud to drive over five million students daily and have already logged nearly six million electric miles. At First Student, one core value is caring for students.
"Electric buses help us meet that goal by providing a smoother, quieter ride that helps students start their day focused and ready to learn.”
Superintendent Josh Garcia at Tacoma Public Schools echoed the sentiment: “Tacoma Public Schools is committed to making environmentally responsible decisions that benefit both our students and the community.
"Partnering with First Student allows us to enhance our transportation services while reducing our carbon footprint, creating a more sustainable, safe, and efficient future for our students and the environment.
"The initiative aligns with our strategic goals by improving health and safety through cleaner air, enhancing operational efficiency with modernised transportation and strengthening partnerships that support student success.
"Investing in sustainable solutions ensures a safe learning environment that promotes academic achievement and well-being for all students.”
A community milestone
Community members had the opportunity to experience an electric school bus firsthand, gaining insight into the enhanced comfort and environmental benefits of the innovative transportation solution.
The launch event demonstrated the long-term positive impact of electrifying school transportation and illustrated the collective commitment to a cleaner, greener future for Tacoma’s students.
The partnership between First Student and Tacoma Public Schools is a model for school districts nationwide looking to modernise their transportation systems with sustainable solutions.
With continued investment in electrification, the future of student transportation looks brighter, healthier and more efficient, setting a precedent for environmentally responsible innovation in education.
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