Pittsburgh Public Schools has introduced 16 new electric school buses into its fleet, marking a significant step toward cleaner and quieter student transportation. The deployment, made possible through first-round funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean School Bus Program, aims to reduce emissions and enhance student health.
The district, the largest in Allegheny County and the second-largest in Pennsylvania, serves nearly 20,000 students. Its new fleet consists of Blue Bird Micro Bird G5es buses, which offer a range of up to 100 miles per charge.
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The vehicles are equipped with 600-volt lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries with capacities between 88 kWh and 132 kWh. An advanced electric drivetrain delivers up to 335 horsepower and 1,403 Nm (1,035 lb-ft) of torque, while requiring significantly less maintenance than traditional diesel buses.
The new electric buses fully recharge in 6-8 hours using Level 2 charging and operate with minimal noise, reducing pollution and creating a quieter ride for students. “The addition of electric buses allows us to take an important step toward a cleaner, quieter, and safer ride, protecting student health and enhancing their daily experience,” said Dr. Wayne N. Walters, superintendent of Pittsburgh Public Schools.
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Electric buses are not only beneficial for the environment and student well-being but also offer long-term financial advantages. With fewer moving parts than diesel models, they require less maintenance and fewer repairs, allowing the district to allocate more resources toward educational programs.
First Student, a major school transportation provider, now operates nearly 450 electric school buses nationwide, having logged nearly six million miles. The company continues to expand its electric fleet as part of broader efforts to support sustainable student transportation.
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The EPA’s Clean School Bus Program, which provides funding for electric school bus adoption, is part of a national initiative to reduce emissions from student transportation and accelerate the transition to cleaner energy solutions.