On Wednesday, October 23, the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) proudly showcased its seven brand-new, zero-emission electric school buses at Travis Ranch School. This achievement was made possible through a partnership with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) as part of their Lower-Emission School Bus Program.
Yorba Linda City Council Member and SCAQMD Governing Board Member spoke about the district’s over $2.7 million in funding, which enabled PYLUSD to replace seven aging diesel buses with state-of-the-art electric models. These buses are already reducing harmful emissions, eliminating approximately 2.7 tons of nitrogen oxides and 0.2 tons of particulate matter each year. This is a critical step toward providing cleaner, safer transportation for students while contributing to a more sustainable future.
“These new buses represent a major step in reducing smog-forming pollution while ensuring our students have cleaner, safer transportation,” said Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss. “We’re proud to be leading the way in environmental sustainability for the benefit of our entire community.”
The new electric buses, now serving schools across the district, including Travis Ranch School, mark a significant advancement in pollution reduction. The district expressed its gratitude to SCAQMD and celebrated this important achievement.
Attendees also heard from Director of Transportation Richard Jimenez, who emphasized the buses’ efficiency and environmental benefits. Serving 15 schools and transporting both special needs and general education students, the electric buses cover 330 miles daily while operating at an energy-efficient rate of 1.7 kilowatt hours per mile.
Bus driver Walt Griffiths treated attendees to a ride around the block, showcasing the quiet, smooth ride that creates a more peaceful environment onboard. This feature positively impacts student behavior and allows drivers to focus even more on safety.
The district is proud to be at the forefront of sustainable transportation.
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